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Monday, March 31, 2008

Humor in Life -- grapefruit and in-laws

It's that time again...when I make some attempt at turning everyday experiences into laughter-filled moments. I confess, it's not always easy, but I have to turn on my funnybone ears and don my funnybone glasses to listen or view life through a funny-filter.

This morning, my husband decided to have a grapefruit we'd received care of our nephew, but it came from Stu's grandparents in Arizona. Some of his family visited them over Easter vacation and came back with fresh fruit from their orchard trees. Now, I don't know how many of you out there actually like grapefruit, but the only way I'll take it is if it's mixed with other fruit juices in a drink. I'm not even sure how they can call this thing a fruit, when it's certainly not sweet by any stretch of the imagination...or at least not sweet to me.

So, Stu sliced open the fruit and made a remark about how grapefruit got its name. He said something about folks heralding that it was a "great fruit" and then someone along the way misheard it and started calling it grapefruit. Then, he took a bite.

Shoo-wee! You should have seen his face. He smacked his lips a few times and swallowed. I looked over my shoulder in time to hear him say:

"It has definite pucker value."

And from the looks of things, I'd say I have to agree with him. :)

Ok, now for the in-laws. Almost all of us have them, and some of us are fortunate enough to get along with them most of the time. That's the case with me. Thus far, I haven't had any complaints about my relatively new in-laws. But then again, I'm a people person, so meeting new folks is easy for me. I tend to get along with just about everyone...even the weird ones.

Well, yesterday after church, Stu and I were in the car and talking about how we wanted nothing more than to go home and get away from 7-years olds for a while. We co-teach the 2nd grade Sunday School class, and that morning, we had 20 of them running around because the lesson didn't allow enough time at the end to keep them structured. We also had one of our teachers leave because she wasnt' feeling well, and Stu and I staggered our absence to give blood during a blood drive. Consistency is important, and when the teachers are floating in and out, the kids take advantage.

So, we're about halfway home when Stu's phone rings and it's his cousin, Debbie. She's about to meet her parents at a Subway not far from Stu's sister's house. She wants to know if we'd like to join the family at Shauna's. I tell her we'll see them there. Then, we pull up in front of a Walgreens so I can pick up a prescription. While I'm inside, Stu calls his sister to see if it's all right that we bring Roxie and put her in the back yard. Then, Debbie calls back to say everyone's there and ready to eat.

We rush home, grab the dog, swap cars and head to Shauna's. About 2 miles from her house, the phone rings again. Since I'm driving this time, Stu answers. I don't know who's on the other end of the line, but I hear him ask about the Subway and say that we didn't know we were supposed to meet there. He confirms the location, hangs up and turns to tell me that we need to go to the Subway. We're eating there then coming to Shauna's.

Ok, now we make a quick stop at Shauna's to drop off Roxie and head to the Subway. When we pull into the parking lot, the family gets out of their cars and heads toward the shop. We all exchange hellos and greetings, and once we step inside, Stu's mother remarks about all the phone calls and asked if we liked it. I smiled and just told them they need to get their act together, to which they said they thought they had....until they started calling to invite everyone.

Despite how much fun my new extended family is, I have to admit to joking about moving to the "West" and gaining a family of "outlaws" -- Wanted poster and all. *grins*

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Friday, March 28, 2008

Blog Tour - Camy Tang and Only Uni

It's nearing the end for Camy Tang's blog tour around the world, and I'm honored to be able to spotlight her here at A Fiction-Filled Life today. So, without further ado, let's get started, so you can gain some insight into the "loud Asian chick" who writes "loud Asian chick books." :) She's a great gal. I'm sure you'll love her books as much as I love her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Camy Tang is the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away five boxes of books and 25 copies of her latest release, ONLY UNI.

ONLY UNI
by Camy Tang
Published by Zondervan

ABOUT THE BOOK

Flirty biologist Trish Sakai has alienated her best friends and her family because of her wild behavior with her artist ex-boyfriend, Kazuo. Then she finds her father kissing another woman, and her mom suffers a heart attack. Convinced God is punishing her for her sexual promiscuity, Trish comes up with three rules from First and Second Corinthians: 1) Stop looking at guys, 2) Only date Christians, and 3) Persevere in hardship by relying on God. If she follows them, God will restore her life to the way it was before her mistakes. If she can somehow regain her chastity, she won't feel as dirty and unworthy as she does now. They're only three rules. How hard can it be?

Handsome Spenser finds himself attracted to his coworker Trish, but his dinner invitation gets slammed down with a lame excuse about Corinthians and rules. That cools his ardor pretty quick. But then Spenser discover that his old enemy Kazuo needs Trish as the "muse" for his unfinished masterpiece painting due in a few months for a gallery show. Kazuo pursues Trish with everything he's got, but Spenser decides to throw a wrench in Kazuo's plans by pretending to pursue Trish himself.

Trish is going nuts trying to stand firm against two hunky guys. Her three simple rules aren't so simple anymore . . .

Buy Your Copy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is the second book in your Sushi Series and follows the path of another cousin. It also deals with the issue of sexual promiscuity, a topic not many Christian authors are able or willing to tackle. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I know that I struggled with my singleness when I was Christian, and I thought it was stupid to pretend Christians aren't lonely and have to often struggle against their own desires. I wanted to create a heroine who was struggling but honest with how she felt, and I hope I've accomplished that in Trish.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Trish, Spenser and Kazuo? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

The only part of Trish's experience that is like mine is her biology work. The rest is fiction, including Spenser, Kazuo, and their experiences. The three are each very different personalities, which is why they probably create so many sparks! Trish is a bit of a dingbat, and she's also fearless. Spenser is confident, a bit swaggering at time, and clueless at others. Kazuo is brooding, caught up in his own world. The three of them were very fun to write.

3. What themes exist in Only Uni that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I want readers to come away with the realization that God loves them no matter what happens, no matter what choices they've made. Grace is always so much greater than we can imagine, and it always seems to take us by surprise.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult parts to write were the scenes in the pregnancy crisis center, because that aspect of the story popped up rather suddenly as I was writing it, so they weren't scenes I had in my head when I plotted the story.

My favorite scene was the one where she sees her new rental house for the first time. Everything in that house is absolutely true--I got the stories from my ex-roommate, who had seen all of those things when she was house-hunting.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is SINGLE SASHIMI, and it comes out in August 2008. Here's the back cover blurb:

Drake Yu. Why would Drake call her after … what, five years? Six?

Venus heard in his voice that resonance that was almost a growl, that titanium-hard determination to get what he wanted. And he usually got what he wanted. The voice said: "I want you to work for me."

Not this time… If it was a choice between Drake and McDonald's—she'd choose french fries. She'd never work for him again. It would take an act of God.

Venus Chau is determined to start her own game development company and launch the next Super Mario-sized phenomenon. However, she needs an investor to back her idea. When Drake Yu, an old nemesis, approaches Venus with a contracting opportunity at his sister's startup, the offer to become Chief Operating Officer tempts Venus to think the unthinkable.

Venus would rather throw away her PS3 than work for Drake again … except Grandma bribes Venus to do this favor for Drake's wealthy family with a coveted introduction to the most respected investor in the game industry. It's also a short job—only a few months—so Venus won't have to stand Drake's presence for very long.

But one wild youth group, a two-faced assistant, and Grandma's determined match-making threaten to make them both fail—or go insane. With the encouragement of her three cousins, Lex, Trish, and Jennifer, Venus discovers that even a wounded heart can undergo a beautiful transformation …

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Thank you, Camy, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Only Uni. Zondervan will be mailing your book directly to you in April.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

* * * * *

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Spotlight on Terri Kraus and Renovation

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After eleven co-authored books with husband, Jim, Terri Kraus has added her award-winning interior designer’s eye to her world of fiction. Terri has worked as a professional designer for 25 years. She has also directed women’s ministries at her church for the past 6 years and has traveled extensively internationally. She makes her home in Wheaton, Illinois, USA, with her husband, son, Elliot, miniature schnauzer, Rufus, and Siberian cat, Petey.

Visit Terri Kraus at her website: http://www.terrikraus.com/.

RENOVATION
by Terri Kraus
Published by David C. Cook

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ethan Willis has made a career out of restoring old houses like the Carter Mansion, so he's an expert with doors and windows. Tragically widowed and left with a young son, he's done the best he could, but now that Chase has become a teenager, that best somehow isn't quite good enough.

For his part, Chase doesn't know what he'd do without baseball, his best friend Elliott and the secret hideaway even his dad doesn't know about. What he does know is that the reporter lady who suddenly started chatting with his dad can't be a good thing.

In a small town where everyone knows everything, does an outsider a young, cute, ambitious reporter-kind-of-outsider like Cameron Dane even have a prayer of getting to know the handsome but moody builder? Does it matter that they both hold secrets from their pasts? And can Chase ever be freed from the hidden guilt of his mother's death? Only time, and a special kind of patience, will tell.

Buy Your Copy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your first solo novel after writing for years with your husband, Jim. What gave you the inspiration for this story and how did you find the experience of launching out on your own?

Writing a novel set in the world of the restoration of old buildings has always been a dream of mine. The idea of renovation is in my family's blood. I'm an interior design professional. My brothers are rehabbers. My husband, Jim, and I have survived the renovation of three houses.

Many readers are probably, like me, HGTV fans that watch the many shows about fixing up old houses. You find yourself glued to the glimpses of contractors and owners engaged in the process. You live vicariously through the rehabbing, renovating, and restoring.

I've always been captivated by old buildings. Poring over books about art, architectural styles, and decoration from all over the world has always been one of my favorite pastimes. As I've traveled internationally and visited many of the places I've studied independently and in the course of my education in design, I've become even more passionate about restoration. I can talk forever about the importance or preserving buildings that are testaments to the creative impulse, the hours of painstaking effort, the motivation and dedication of artists, designers, craftsmen and artisans from previous eras. All were, no doubt, imperfect people—but people used as instruments in God's hands to create perfectly rendered works of art that endure and can stir our hearts so many, many years later.

For me, there's something quite magical about walking into an old place, with all its history, where so much life has been lived, where so many events and significant moments have taken place—the happy ones, the sad ones, and all the everyday moments and hours in between. Imagining who might have inhabited a house, how the family came together, the love they shared, their conversations, the tears and laughter, is irresistible to me. I find inspiration as I imagine how they celebrated and grieved, how they overcame adversity, how they survived tragedy, then moved on to enjoy life within the old walls once again.

Having my own series to write has been a bit scary at times, but a great experience nonetheless. Jim and I work wonderfully together, having very complementary skills, so it's different than I'm used to. He'll always be my best critique partner, so it’s been good to have his input. He's great with dialog, so that's very helpful.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Ethan, Chase and Cameron? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Having worked as an interior designer for 25 years, I've been involved in a lot of restoration/renovation projects. I know well the upheaval, the despair of having no control, the agonizing over style decisions, the budget constraints, the disagreements between contractor and owner, and the emotional rollercoaster of unexpected problems and unanticipated gifts along the way. Together my clients and I have accepted big disappointments, celebrated tiny successes, and experienced the inexpressible elation at seeing what was once in ruins—old, broken, useless—become, with all its quirks, a beautiful, completely renewed, and usable place for people to share life again.

Looking back on all those projects, I can echo the sentiment in the opening line of Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." As the owner of the Carter Mansion in the book, these are the struggles and triumphs CeCe experiences. As the builder/contractor, Ethan struggles with all of the problems and victories on the reverse end. CeCe is Italian, so I enjoyed giving her some of my own ethnic characteristics. Ethan and Cameron, the other two main characters, are a conglomeration of people I have worked with, and their journey back to God through all the pain and secret keeping caused by tragedies in their lives is their own entirely. Ethan's son Elliot does reflect some of the character traits of our son Elliot, and that was fun to weave into this book.

3. What themes exist in Renovation that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I love the metaphor of restoration, which is why I came up with the idea for the Project Restoration series—stories that would follow both the physical restoration of a building and emotional/spiritual restoration of a character.

After all, God is in the business of restoring lives—reclaiming, repairing, renewing what was broken and bringing beauty from ashes. I know, because I've seen his renovation firsthand. For many years, I've worked in women's ministries. I've seen many women—as well as the men and children they love—deal with scars from their past that shape their todays and tomorrows. They all long for restoration—to live joyfully and productively once again—but that also requires forgiveness. Forgiveness of others (whether they deserve it or not) and, perhaps most importantly, forgiveness of oneself in order to be healthy and available to God. Clinging to past hurts or "unfairness," hostility, anger, grudges, resentment, bitterness, or allowing abuse to alter your self-worth renders your life virtually useless.

Unforgiveness shapes your perception of yourself, your outlook on life, the kind of relationships you have, and keeps you in "stuck" mode. It leaves you in a dark, emotionally paralyzing, spiritually debilitating, physically draining state and causes so much unnecessary pain…even addiction.

Yet God himself stands and waits, extending the gift of restoration. The light of his love shines on all those dark places deep within us, exposing what needs his healing touch. This is the type of restoration I've become passionate about too. For when our souls are gloriously freed through God's renovation, we become whole, useful, and able to extend the forgiveness we have experienced to others. Then individuals, families, churches, and entire communities can be transformed!

Perhaps there are readers who have an event in their past they need to let go of. It is my hope and prayer that by reading the book some will experience the renovation that awaits them through saying yes to God’s invitation of heart restoration…and the life-transforming joy that will follow.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I think he most difficult were the heart-wrenching scenes, because it’s sometimes difficult to strike the right balance of conveying the emotion without becoming overly sentimental and "sappy." It's also difficult to know how to be sure to convey the theme without overdoing it. My favorite parts to write are, of course, all the design features of the renovation and the historical details of the house.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Book 2 of the Project Restoration Series comes out in October.

Single-mom Leslie Ruskin and her 5-year-old daughter, Ava, are starting over in a new town—Butler, Pennsylvania—where her ancestors once lived, after a devastating divorce turned their world upside-down. As Leslie tries to provide a stable life for little Ava, she struggles to manage her own anxiety. She buys a landmark building in the historic area of town, which she is strangely drawn to. As the new owner of the Midlands Building, with its architecturally stunning first floor, Leslie is in need of a master carpenter to renovate its neglected interior. Jack Kenyon seems to be the perfect man for the job. He's starting over, too, after leaving Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he worked for Ethan Willis on the restoration crew of the Carter Mansion. But Jack is struggling to master his own demons. Haunted by loneliness, his past failures, and the lost relationship with his own young daughter, Jack finds it difficult to maintain his sobriety. As the Midlands Building is transformed from the run-down former home of a locksmith shop, with its own secrets, into a vibrant café/bistro, the relationship between Leslie and Jack becomes the catalyst in their journey towards the renewal that their lives so desperately need…and unlocks the love they are destined to discover.

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Thank you, Terri, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Renovation.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Monday, March 24, 2008

Humor in Life -- Whitewater Rafting, Dogs and Recliner Chairs...oh my!

For today's author spotlight, you'll find it below this post. I didn't want to skip out on my new goal for sharing some lighthearted stories to brighten your day. Last year at this time, I was posting weekly updates on the countdown to my wedding. Now that the craziness and hectic planning period is passed, you get the privilege of a glimpse into REAL life with me.

So, fasten your seatbelts. It's sure to be a bumpy ride!

Last week, I again spent time at Kim Woodhouse's home. Our typical "lunch" turned into an all-day affair, but the highlight by far, was watching Kim struggle with her recliner chair in the living room. She swears the thing's possessed and has it in for her. After seeing her try to get out of the thing, I'm inclined to believe her.

Quite easily, she kicks back and extends the footrest to relax and work on emails and other things on her laptop. But before long, it's time to move on to something else. So, she scoots forward and attempts to kick the footrest back in place, which will set the recliner upright again and allow her to stand.

Unfortunately, that's not to be for Kim. As I'm sure you've noticed, life tends to be a bit more complicated for her, and this recliner apparently knows it! It's not going to miss a chance to have its share of the pie, so it makes the footrest nigh onto impossible to go back in place. You can imagine the view at seeing someone sitting down and trying to kick a footrest back so that it clicks. If she tries to straddle the piece and get up, the chair reclines again and throws her back against the cushions, trapping her in its menacing clutches.

Finally, spent and exhausted from her own attempts, she frantically calls to her daughter, Kayla, to come and rescue her poor mother from the grasp of the evil recliner. Sweet Kayla comes, with a smile on her face and waits for Kim to lift her legs high in the air. Again, quite a comical sight. Kayla proceeds to plop onto the floor in front of the chair, brace herself and place her feet against the footrest. With a solid shove, the footrest clicks into place and Kim is free!

Thanks, Kayla!

And that's not all. If you've managed to catch your breath or scrunch your cheeks back into place after laughing at the above image, here's another one for you.

This past weekend, my husband and our puppy, Roxie, went down to my husband's parents' place for Easter. Once leaving the overcast and snowy Colorado Springs, the blue skies appeared and it turned out to be a beautiful day. So, we decided to drive a little further and snap some pictures of the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains in the Wetmoor Valley. Along the way, we opened the windows in the back seat for Roxie so she could get a good whiff of the smells and fresh air down that way.

Well, we also recently learned that she's a Border Collie/Black Lab mix. As such, she has an instinctive "herding" nature in her that comes out full force when she's on a walk or in the car. It's commonplace to see a dog with its head out the window of a moving car. But, I don't know if you've often had the occasion to witness a dog's head whipping from the front to the back of the open window as a car passes going the opposite way. It's almost as if the wind catches hold of her head and decides to carry her head with it.

But, it's actually Roxie wanted to "herd" the cars that are getting past her. She doesn't want to let a single one of them get away, so she tries her hardest to get them back in place. It's a good thing we only allow enough room for her head. Otherwise, she'd no doubt be out that window in a flash. Viewing this from the front seat is quite the amusement, I assure you.

The final part of our drive had my husband listing off all the things he wants me to do this summer. Camping, fishing, hiking, and lots of outdoor things. All of that sounds good to me. But there is one thing that I'm not sure I can manage.

Whitewater Rafting!

Yes, that's right. My husband wants me to get into a large cylindrical rubber tube with paddles/oars on the side and foot braces along the bottom, then shove off from solid land into the menacing waters of the Arkansas River. Now, back East this wouldn't be much of an issue, as the rivers are mostly wide and somewhat lazy...at least where I've canoed and tubed. But, out here? They're narrow and fast! Those two combinations just don't sound all that appealing to me.

Picture it with me. This open-topped and open-sided tube is bouncing and rushing along the choppy waters and glancing off of rocks in the riverbed, all the while being piloted by the rest of the passengers (me included!) with commands from the raft leader to paddle a certain way when we encounter a rock or particularly fast-moving rapids.

I can see it now. I'm sitting, feet firmly hooked under the braces to keep my bottom glued to the seat, oar in hand and witnessing the oncoming crash of water that's about to swallow us whole! Then, I hear the shout of the raft leader to paddle more to the left, then to the right, then backpaddle to slow us down. I wish he'd make up his mind! All the while, I'm frantically attempting to keep my feet secure and my bottom glued, because at any moment, I'm going to go projectile into the raging waters, pulled beneath the torrent and left behind by the rest of the raft members.

And so ends the tale of that poor gal who just couldn't keep her seat....

Umm...yeah. I don't think so!

CFBA Blog Tour - Linda Windsor and For Pete's Sake

I'm pleased as punch to have Linda Windsor here today. And speaking of that, where did that phrase originate? I wasn't aware that punch could be pleased. It could be pleasing, I suppose, if you need refreshment, but it doesn't feel emotions...I don't think.

Anyway, back to Linda. :) If it weren't for her mentorship, encouragement and friendship, my first book would never have been published. She walked me through each chapter and helped me fine-tune the errors or areas that needed tweaking. She helped me find my author voice and merge it with the rules of writing. And, most importantly, she helped me inject humor into an historical romance. That was no easy feat. But Linda helped me do it.

And now, I present Linda as part of the CFBA blog tour:



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 lives on the Eastern Shore of MD, the setting of her latest contempory series, The Piper Cove Chronicles. God gave her the boot to the inpirational market after she'd written sixteen secular romances and she's never looked back. Twelve titles later, Linda has been a Christy finalist with her Fires of Gleannmara Celtic Irish series and garnered many awards for her romantic comedies (with a dash of suspense) in both secular and inspirational contests. She is most noted for delivering "The Lift of Laughter and Spirit" in her modern inspirational romances.

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.

Reviewers have called this series a cross between Nora Roberts' Cheasapeake and Jan Karon's Mitford books. For previews of Linda's books, contests, and contact information, go to www.LindaWindsor.com.

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.

LINDA WINDSOR LOCAL APPEARANCES:

Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Jack's Religious Gift Shop
701 Snow Hill Road
Salisbury, MD 21804
2:00PM

Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Gospel Shop
800 South Salisbury Blvd
Salisbury, MD 21801
11:00 AM

Buy Your Copy Today!

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?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is the second novel in your latest Piper Cove Chronicles series and follows the next friend of four who grew up in the small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I was a tomboy like Ellen and when I met a fifty-something widow who rode a Harley, well, Ellen was born. The entire ensemble from Piper Cove evolved from a real group of ladies, an amalgam of bosom buddies, all different, yet all friends.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Ellen, Adrian and Pete? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

As I said, I was a lot like Ellen. I worked in my dad's motor shop. Grease runs in the blood, I guess. As for Adrian, I think I can say that my changing careers in midlife from software consultant/business manager to a writer was reflected in his realization that he'd become something he wasn't cut out to be. And Pete. Well, Pete is fashioned after my dear, sweet, sensitive son, who has a mild case of Asperger's Syndrome. It's a high -functioning form of autism. These kids are geniuses, hampered by extremely high frustration levels and anger management issues, sometimes ADD. So they often come across as jerks, when they are anything but.

3. What themes exist in For Pete's Sake that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Ellen dealt with hiding her light under a basket, hesitating to reach out and risk her heart. Adrian wrestled with his anger at God and realizing his need for God, as well as how the distance between him and God was self-imposed. Then there's the life issue of being true to oneself for both Ellen and Adrian. Living behind a facade does not lead to happiness. And, of course, I wanted to show just how beautiful a child with Asperger's is on the inside and that there is help for them to cope with their problem. Although Pete's progress around Ellen was faster than children with more significant cases.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

It was all a delight to write. Wait, that's not so. Portraying Pete was hard for obvious reasons. As for my favorite parts, hands down, it was when Ellen allowed her friends to make her over for a costume party and she lost her... well, it's best that you read the book. (grins)

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm not sure yet. I'm doing the proposal now for Jan, the shy buddy who always wants the kind of guy she shouldn't have. The tentative title is Sweet Nothins. Jan is a dessert chef with low self-esteem, who has had enough of being a doormat to her handsome boss. But now what's she going to do? How does one separate the glitter from the gold? Especially when she's being accused of embezzlement and a gambling syndicate thinks she knows more than she does. Like, it couldn't get any worse!

From the Author:

APOLOGIES regarding Wedding Bell Blues. I had two regrettable errors in this publication that, when called to my attention, I didn't at first believe it.

I didn't remember my hero having a Rhett Butler moment when he said "D_mn, I still love you, Alex."

And while I'd written unsaved character Sue Ann exclaiming, "Oh my g_wd!" with the intent of convicting Sue Ann of its blasphemy in her own book #4, I changed her mind after discussing it with my editor and deleted those occurences rather than offend anyone. Well, I missed one. The GOOD NEWS is that these have been removed from future printings and book club issues.

To anyone who read Wedding Bell Blues and was offended, my humble apologies. I'd written this after my husband died and during those months of brain fog, I almost stopped writing because it was so hard to put coherent thought together. Then I turned it in months late, which put my publisher in a bind as far as getting multiple editings. This was the result.

Thank you and God Bless,
Linda Windsor

* * * * *

Thank you, Linda, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of For Pete's Sake.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Friday, March 21, 2008

Spotlight on Susan and Megan Davis and Homicide at Blue Heron Lake

Happy Good Friday to you today. Only 2 more days until Easter, and we're headed out of town. So, I'm getting this one posted a smidgeon early.

Spotlight #2 this week features another of Heartsong Presents Mysteries cozy mystery books. Only this time, it's a mother and daughter team, where the mother is also a web design client of mine. That makes it double special. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Page Davis is a Maine native and author of mysteries, suspense novels, and historical romance. She has won the short historical category of the ACFW Book of the Year and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She’s the mother of six home-schooled children. Three daughters now hold degrees in creative writing. Her husband, Jim, is a news editor.

HOMICIDE ON BLUE HERON LAKE
by Susan and Megan Davis
Published by Heartsong Presents Mysteries

Join the Club Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your first novel with the recently launched Heartsong Presents Mystery Club, and one you've co-written with your daughter. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I grew up in the beautiful town of Belgrade, Maine, nestled among several lakes. One of these served as Ernest Seton Thompson’s inspiration for On Golden Pond, complete with the mail boat that STILL runs in summer on Great Pond. I wanted to write a story about a guy (Nate in our book) who took mail to people in cottages on islands, who transported people over the lake and delivered packages. So Baxter Marina was born. I had the basic story line, and when I told my daughter Megan about it, she had a great idea for the plot. I asked her to write it with me. The result was our first book, Homicide at Blue Heron Lake.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Emily and Nate? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Emily is really more like Megan than me. She's young, lovely, poised on the brink of adulthood. Our heroine has been hurt, but she's made the best of it. We're proud of Emily and the way she deals with a scary situation.

3. What themes exist in Homicide on Blue Heron Lake that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Confession and forgiveness are prominent. The character Raven Miller especially portrays this. The past has warped her, and she needs reshaping. Emily and Nate, on a smaller scale, have to overcome the past. All of them learn that, even when you thought a situation was irreversible, there’s always hope.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

For me the hardest parts were scenes where several people gathered to talk about the murders. It's difficult to keep a scene moving when several people are talking and moving around. You have to focus on what will advance the story and stay with that, not get distracted by everything going on.

My favorites were when Emily and Nate were together. The chemistry between these two is great. Megan and I alternated chapters, and we both went over each section and then the whole thing to be sure the end product was seamless.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next suspense book, Witness, releases in April from Love Inspired Suspense. In it, a woman witnesses a murder, but the police don’t believe her when they find no evidence of a crime. A couple of months later, I'll have a historical romance from Heartsong presents—Return to Love, set in Dover, New Hampshire, 1694. And Megan's and my second cozy mystery will release in August: Treasure at Blue Heron Lake. Those are written. I'm now working on my third Frasier Island Series book, Inside Story, for January 09 release.

Our MAINEly Murder series (Blue Heron Lake books) can be found at: http://www.heartsongmysteries.com/SusanDavis0001
And visit me at my Website: http://www.susanpagedavis.com/.

* * * * *

Thank you, Susan, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Homicide at Blue Heron Lake.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Spotlight on S. Dionne Moore and Murder on the Ol' Bunions

I'm thrilled to introduce to you a great new author who actually sold her book a full year before I did, but due to publisher delays, the book club released occurred one year later. Despite the frustration for her, I'm thrilled because it means our first books released at the same time.

And now, here's Sandra:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. Dionne Moore is a bunion-free super mom, able to leap piles of homework and loads of laundry in a single bound. Not only does she write, homeschool her daughter, and help her pastor-husband, but she also plays piano, loves to garden, and encourages other writers.

MURDER ON THE OL' BUNIONS
by S. Dionne Moore
Published by Heartsong Presents Mysteries

Join the Club Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your first novel with the newly released Heartsong Presents Mystery Club. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

So many things, really. My love of laughter--too many people take life and themselves too seriously--; an agent's comment that she enjoyed my strong, mature women characters; a passion for good mystery; and, not least of all, knowing the Barbour was getting ready to release a new mystery line. I decided to combine a mature woman heroine with a sidekick husband who complements her perfectly, set them in a small town, and have her stumble upon the body of her former employer. The fact that LaTisha Barnhart is an African American is extra fun! By the way, LaTisha is modeled after one of my dear friends, attitude and all!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of LaTisha and Handy? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

As I'm sure you can imagine, there is a little of me in all of my characters. LaTisha and Hardy enjoy a deep respect for each other that belies their humorous, and often times blunt, interactions with each other, reminiscent of my husband and I. Marion Peters is the woman you love to hate. We all have some of those in our lives. But most of my characters have traits of people I know and love.

3. What themes exist in Murder on the Ol' Bunions that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Don't take yourself too seriously. Love and laugh. Showing a couple with deep respect for each other, who could also have a lot of fun together was really important to me. So many couples never connect on a level where they learn to respect and trust each other, and it sets them up for a rough time in their marriage.

I also wanted to show life after children. As a mother, it's so easy to become entangled in the accomplishments of your children, that you lose yourself. Though LaTisha misses her children, she must learn to fill the void.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

My fav parts to write are the fun scenes between LaTisha and Hardy. They are so real to me. So quirky and fun, and so aware of each other on so many levels. My least favorite part of writing is editing. Ugh!

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Polly Dent Loses Grip is the second book in the LaTisha Barnhart Mystery series. Polly Dent Loses Grip on the treadmill and takes a fatal spill that's ruled an accident. Helping her mother-in-law move into Bridgeton Towers Assisted Living, LaTisha picks up on the residents' gossip that reveals all kinds of motives for murder. Gertrude Herrman is out looking for love in the form of Thomas Philcher's fat wallet, and Polly's fall eliminates her competition once and for all. Otis Payne, the venerable director of Bridgeton Towers, is over a barrel when his wife demands cash or she'll carry on without him. Mitzi Mullins' penchant for rhyme puts her in direct line as perpetrator of the crime, and and Sue Mie's mistake seals Polly's fate.

It releases in March of 2009. Join the book club and make sure you don't miss a single cozy mystery!

* * * * *

Thank you, Sandra, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Murder on the Ol' Bunion.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Monday, March 17, 2008

Humor in Life -- Shopping and Web Sites

Top o' the Mornin' to Ya! And a fine mornin' 'tis too. Not much green to be seen 'round here, but sure'n we got plenty of the white powdery coating outside. 'Tis a beautiful blue sky day with a wee bit of fluffy clouds over the mountains. Mind ya don't go dancin' an Irish jig without a wee leprechaun by your side. Me best wishes that ye be findin' that pot o' gold ye be wantin' and best of luck to ya!

Ok, so I posted last week about my new search to discover the humor in life. And I also shared about the friend who inspired this. So, it only seems fitting that time spent with her is what led to today's reports of the humor from this past week.

First, this past Friday, we went to Best Buy to return an item she'd purchased that ended up not being what she needed. Within seconds of walking in the door, our little venture started out with laughter.

Kim asked the salesperson standing near the front where we needed to go for straight returns. Without missing a beat, he looked at me, then back at Kim and said, "She looks fine to me, why would you want to return her?"

I have to admit that never in my life have I had a salesperson say that to me or about me. What a hoot! Kim and I looked at each other and shared a laugh, then as we made our way to the returns lane, we both agreed that would be the first item to make it into my humor post.

The second happened later that same day. I was at Kim's working on her web site and discovered some of the HTML coding was incomplete. So, we worked together to fix that and when it was all done, she joyfully announced that...

"I have meta tags!"

Her husband walked by, and she told him too, then asked him if he knew what those were. He looked at her and said, "Do you need medication or pills for them?"

Talk about quick wit and a strong connection to the funny bone! LOL! Kim and I both lapsed into giggles and laughter at that one. Again, we agreed that it was classic enough and perfect for this post.

Btw, for those who don't know, 'meta tags' are HTML coding in the header of a web page that tells search engines how to catalogue a web site so when browsers type in keywords, the sites are ranked according to the tags.

And there you have it. My humor moments from this past week. I'll be spending TWO days with Kim this week and one with my critique group. Who knows what can happen between now and next Monday.

Stay tuned!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Spotlight on Cheryl Wyatt and A Soldier's Family

Here is Cheryl again, with her second book in her Wings of Refuge series. She's a great friend and I've loved sharing the 'debut author' wind with her. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM (stay-at-home-mom), joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. Both of her debut novels (Books 1 and 2 in her Wings of Refuge Series from Steeple Hill) have received Romantic Times Top Picks.

A SOLDIER'S FAMILY
by Cheryl Wyatt
Published by Steeple Hill / Love Inspired

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

On A Crash Course With Love

She was the woman of pararescue jumper Manny Pena's dreams. But he'd stuck his foot in his mouth the last time he met Celia Munoz. Now, grounded after a parachuting accident, he was desperate to make amends with the beautiful widow.

But Celia wasn't having it. The last thing she needed was another man with a dangerous job—even if he had given his life to God. Yet

Manny's growing commitment to her and her troubled son began to convince her that perhaps she should take her own leap of faith.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

First off, thanks so much for having me, Tiff! Congratulations on the release of your debut books too!

1. This is your second full novel and one that's garnering some great endorsements. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I had a serious injury which required extensive reconstruction of my hip bone, socket, head of my femur and part of my pelvis. From injury to progression from wheelchair to walker to cane to full weight-bearing and release from PT (Pain and Torture...errrr I meant Physical Therapy) was about three years. Very tough time as I was in constant excruciating pain. So I took my pain and PT woes out on poor Manny. LOL! This book was birthed out of that hard season for me. Only I'm sorta jealous because he got to injure himself in a skydiving accident. At least he did it having FUN! LOL!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Celia and Manny? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Definitely I struggle with controlling my tongue as does Celia. That's something I battle with, though not as much. My husband and I have worked with youth, as does Manny. But other than that, everything is completely made up. LOL!

3. What themes exist in A Soldier's Family that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I don't ever really set out to put themes in my books. In fact, most of the time, others (editors or critters) end up pointing out the theme or takeaway value of my own books to me. LOL! So definitely the themes of not letting fear lead us around by a leash, as well as not letting guilt or past mistakes paralyze us into thinking we've been disqualified from God using us, definitely are prevalent. Though I didn't consciously set out to do that, it just sort of happened.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Most difficult part to write was the part about Manny's nightmares, because it was a stretch to write something that is one of my deepest fears...losing a child to drowning. I know people who have and that scene was torture for me. I didn't want to mentally and emotionally put myself in that place to have to imagine it, but for impact, I did. Very hard and I don't like to revisit it. But the contrast of the Hope of Heaven and healing God can bring, I hope will touch people who've lost a child to any type of accident.

The next hardest part was painting Celia's father and previous church to be spiritually and physically abusive. I've been blessed with a very functional family, and parents who are decent and loving. Never having been where Celia was with her parents, made that part hard to write. I also have a wonderful church family who I have fashioned Refuge Community Church after. So the parts where Celia endured spiritual abuse at the hands of her father, being one way at church and a different man at home, was difficult. I've had reader letters from people who have endured what Celia did, and to know God is using the book to bring some amount of hope and inner healing, humbles me. Makes me glad that theme came through when I didn't set out to have it be so.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is titled Ready-Made-Family and will release April 1 of 2009...a year away. It is book three in Wings of Refuge but each book can stand alone. Since there is a gap between books two and three, I will be keeping readers up on happenings in fictional Refuge and the first two books' characters. I'll do this by having the cat who skitters through the series (Psychoticat) be a questblogger once a week. I'd love folks to drop by and support him as he laments things like being forced to lounge around on fancy aztec tile and stare and people's hair ankles all day. And also, he's sure to mention Celia forgetting his tuna AGAIN. These blogs will bridge the gap between the second and third book. My blog address is http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com

* * * * *

Thank you, Cheryl, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of A Soldier's Family.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

* * * * *

Thursday, March 13, 2008

CFBA Blog Tour - Rachel Hauck and Sweet Caroline

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sweet Caroline
Thomas Nelson (February 12, 2008)
by Rachel Hauck


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism. As a member of Phi Mu sorority, I partied my way though the last few years of college.

But, the truth is, and always will be, I belong to Jesus. At the age of six, I knelt at the altar of a Tulsa Methodist church and gave my life to the One who loves me.

After graduation, hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. And I did it without a laptop, a cell phone, an IPod or portable DVD player. Those were hard times.

But, I traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine. But, life on the road is difficult. Working twelve to fourteen hour days, one doesn't get to see many of the sites. In Ireland, our company's distributor drove me around at night so I could see something of Dublin.

I met Tony, my husband, in '87, at church, of all places. We got married in '92. Tony has been a pastor for twenty years. I've worked with him in eighteen of those twenty. Our heart is to see teens and adults passionate, radical and whole hearted for Jesus.

Tony and I don't have any children of our own, lots of kids-in-the-Lord and we love them all. However, we do have a very spoiled dog, and an even more spoiled cat.

I've always wanted to be a writer. My dad used to tell me, "You're a writer." I have letters he wrote me post college, exhorting me to write. In this, I believe he had the heart of God.

In '93, I started an epic WW2 novel with two plots. It was well rejected. After that ordeal, I took a break and put efforts into my job as a software project manager. But, I missed writing and in late ' 99, I took up the craft again.

With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. I love writing chick lit and romance. I love writing. What an honor.

Rachel has several other books that have been received with great praise, including Diva Nash Vegas and Lost In Nash Vegas

You can purchase copies of Rachel's books, signed personally for you, at this site: Signed by the Author.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a Southern waitress inherits the Lowcountry cafe where she works, she suddenly has to balance more than just her next food order.

Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says "yes" to destiny.

Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she's been waitressing falls right into Caroline's lap. While she's trying to determine the cafe's future, handsome Deputy Sherriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline's heart.

But when her first love, Mitch O'Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.

* * * * *

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of this book. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the 'email follow-up comments' box when you leave a comment and fill in your email address there if it isn't already showing. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

CFBA Blog Tour - Robin Lee Hatcher and The Perfect Life

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Perfect Life
Thomas Nelson (February 5, 2008)
by Robin Lee Hatcher


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.

She also likes to blog. Go leave her a comment at Write Thinking!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Katherine Clarkson has the perfect life. Married to Brad, a loving and handsome husband, respected in their church and the community. Two grown daughters on the verge of starting families of their own. A thriving ministry. Good friends. A comfortable life.

She has it all--until the day a reporter appears with shocking allegations. Splashed across the local news are accusations of Brad's financial impropriety at his foundation and worse, an affair with a former employee. Without warning, Katherine's marriage is shattered and her family torn apart. The reassuring words she's spoken to many brokenhearted women over the years offer little comfort now.

Her world spinning, Katherine wonders if she can find the truth in the chaos that consumes her. How can she survive the loss of what she thought was the perfect life?

* * * * *

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of this book. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the 'email follow-up comments' box when you leave a comment and fill in your email address there if it isn't already showing. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Monday, March 10, 2008

Humor in Life / Why Men Are Happier than Women!

All right. I admit it. In my spare time lately, I've been spending time with a celebrity (and she'll likely scold me for this). She's a great lady, with lots of class, and people recognize her everywhere she goes. But she's not your typical celebrity. She actually speaks to 'normal' people and makes it her life mission to be a blessing to others in any way she can. Her name is Kimberley Woodhouse ('Kim' to most) and her family was a recent recipient of a brand new home courtesy of Extreme Makeover and ABC.

But there is more to her than the notoriety of a TV show--far too much for this post. So, I'll snip it a bit and say that thanks to my friendship with her, I'm rediscovering my funny bone. I think I shoved it to some unmentionable place, bogged down by the responsibilities of life. Not anymore, though.

I mentioned Kim's life mission. Well, a lot of that mission is accomplished through humor. She has a fantastic way of seeing the fun in life, and after spending just a few hours with her, you're usually good for at least two weeks of seeing the laughter moments in your own life. You'd be amazed at what you see when you're looking at life through funny-bone-colored glasses. :)

So, I've now made it MY mission to rediscover my funny bone and do my part in bringing a little light and fun to others. At least, I'll try. Look out Colorado Springs!

Of course, I might just fail miserably because I'm too practical and serious for this to work. But I'm willing to give it a shot.

Now, let's take a trip down the lane that draws the line between men and women and why men often find it easier to laugh than women do:

* * * * *

A friend and fellow author had this on her blog just before Christmas, and I found it too true not to share . . .

Men Are Just Happier People — what do you expect from such simple creatures?

  • Your last name stays put.
  • The garage is all yours.
  • Chocolate is just another snack.
  • You can be President.
  • You can never be pregnant.
  • You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park or you donʼt have to wear any shirt at all.
  • Car mechanics tell YOU the truth.
  • The world is your urinal.
  • You never have to drive to another gas station because the restroom was just too icky.
  • You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
  • Same work, more pay.
  • Wrinkles add character.
  • People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
  • New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
  • One mood all the time.
  • Wedding dress: $5000; tux rental: $100; wedding plans taking care of themselves: PRICELESS
  • Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
  • You know stuff about tanks.
  • A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
  • You can open all your own jars.
  • You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
  • If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
  • Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
  • Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
  • You almost never have strap problems in public.
  • You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
  • Everything on your face stays its original color.
  • The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
  • You only have to shave your face and neck.
  • You can play with toys all your life.
  • One wallet and one pair of shoes — one color for all seasons.
  • You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
  • You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
  • You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
  • You can do your gift shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 23 minutes.
No wonder men are happier creatures!

* * * * *

And thus ends today's quest for finding more humor in my life so that I might bring a smile to your face--or maybe just a grin--or actually just a twitch to your lips--or perhaps....oh nevermind. Just stay tuned for next week and more.

* * * * *

Friday, March 07, 2008

CFBA Blog Tour - Julie Carobini and Truffles by the Sea

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Truffles by the Sea
Bethany House (February 1, 2008)
by Julie Carobini


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Carobini is an award-winning writer whose stories often spotlight her family, the sea, and God's timely work in the lives of those around her. She lives with her husband, Dan, and their three children in Ventura Beach, California. She also likes to blog! Go leave her a comment at Waves of Grace.

Julie left you all a special message: To celebrate my upcoming CFBA tour March 5-7, I'll be giving away a copy of Truffles by the Sea AND and a 1/2 lb. box of yummy truffles to three of you reading this interview right now. All you need to do is drop by my blog http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com/ during the tour and leave a comment and a way to contact you if you win!

ABOUT THE BOOK

If you read, Julie's first book, Chocolate Beach, then you might remember Gaby as Bri's dramatic, lovesick best friend. Unfortunately, things get worse—much worse—for her before they get…well, best not to give it away.

Sometimes all a girl has left is chocolate...

Gaby Flores has a penchant for drama and an unfortunate knack for dating Mr. So Wrong. After breaking off yet another relationship, watching her apartment building burn to the ground, and discovering that her dippy delivery guy has run off with most of her business, Gaby decides it's time to turn things around.

So she moves to a tiny waterfront loft and takes on a new motto: "Be gullible no more!" With help from her friends, she works to rebuild her flower shop—and her life. But when legal troubles and quirky neighbors and two surprising romances enter her beachy world, Gaby's motto and fledgling faith are put to the test

Can a young woman prone to disaster in both work and love finally find happily ever after?

"Truffles by the Sea is delightful! Julie Carobini has a new fan in this reader, and she's earned a spot on my keeper shelf." --Kay James, RomanceReaderatHeart.com

"This book is a delight to read, and the author has us rooting for Gaby from page one. This girl's never-say-die attitude is incredible, and her life is filled with all kinds of foibles. This is chick lit with heart – about so much more than finding a man.... While keeping the light chick lit tone, this book satisfied while avoiding the tired old formulas. Just when I’m ready to give up on the genre, I stumble across an author who can write without relying on stereotypes." --Cara Putman, writerinterrupted.com

"I liked Julie Carobini's first novel, Chocolate Beach, but her sophomore release, Truffles By The Sea, greatly surpasses it. I thoroughly enjoyed Carobini's second book and felt her writing was much stronger throughout. The characters are deeper and yet funnier – a great combination.... It's a great read for a cold winter day – you can curl up with the book, a nice fire and pretend you're the one by the sea." --Jill Hart, RadiantLit.com

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your second novel and a chance for the secondary character from your first novel to have the spotlight. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Although Gaby was a lively best friend in Chocolate Beach, she'd had way too many bad dates. I wanted to find out what was going on with that--and I did :)

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the character of ? What aspects became traits that were hers and hers alone?

Gaby's much more girly girl than I am! I do speak some Spanglish, like she does. My father's Mexican and I live in California, so that's sort of second nature :) As for experiences, most of those are Gaby's alone Except the kayaking. And the truffle-eating, ha. Seriously, Gaby's creative with her hands, very artistic, and I need to stick to words. Trust me on this.

3. What themes exist in Truffles by the Sea that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

It's hard to point those out without telling the reader too much, I think, but here are some basic thoughts: pride and surrender!

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I struggled a bit at the beginning because I didn't want to dump too much of Gaby's backstory there. Instead, I wanted readers to learn her background as they went along. A couple have commented that they wish they knew more at the start, but for the most part, I've been told that the backstory was done well. It's a challenge!

There's more than one favorite, but I loved writing about Gaby's adventure on the kayak. My heart beat extra fast during that one!

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is about a woman's quest to honor her father's memory by moving her family back to their hometown, only to uncover secrets that destroy the fairy tale life she believed they all had once lived. It's tentatively titled Sweet Waters.

Thanks so much for having me here today, Tiff. Feel free to stop by my website or blog any time! www.juliecarobini.com or juliecarobini.blogspot.com

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Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of this book. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the 'email follow-up comments' box when you leave a comment and fill in your email address there if it isn't already showing. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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Thursday, March 06, 2008

Blog Tour - Susan May Warren and Taming Rafe

I'm so excited to share the latest book from this author with you today. Not only do you get a spotlight, but you also get the chance to enter a content Susie is hosting on Rafe's blog and enter for a chance to win a FREE copy of this book.

The other sites participating in this blog tour can be found here at Rafe's very own blog: Who's Rafe?. It began back on the 23rd of February and ends on the 7th of March (tomorrow) but you can still check out the other blogs and enter the contests available.

You can learn more about Rafe and his family, as well as check out the "meaty" contest Susan is sponsoring for the tour! "Win a steak dinner (an Omaha Steaks gift certificate) with Rafe".

Yum...red meat! :)

Oh...and here's a peak at the video trailers for Reclaiming Nick and Taming Rafe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

TAMING RAFE
by Susan May Warren
Published by Tyndale House

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Meet Nick's younger brother--Rafe!

In less than eight seconds, two-time world champion bull rider Rafe Noble lost his title, his career, his best friend-all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena. Now he has no choice but to head back to the Silver Buckle, but not before he accidentally destroys philanthropist Katherine Breckenridge's NY Charity event. Now she's in town, wanting his money - or his help. And the last thing this broken bull rider is going to do is give her his heart. But Nick's little brother is going to learn just was it takes to tame the heart of a rebel!

Read the first chapter!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. Finally! The long-awaited sequel on Nick's brother, Rafe. Many women drooled over his picture at the ACFW conference last year, and many more had fun walking around with the stickers on their badges. Once again, you have crafted a story full of adventure, romance and downright grit. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

That was SO fun!! Thanks to all my good-sports/victims who wore the RAFE badge!! I love everything cowboy, and grew up going to rodeo and watching with awe the amazing bull-riders and bronc busters. I began to wonder what it might be like for a bull rider at the top of his game who has a terrible wreck, and how he puts his life back together. Especially how he finds that courage to get back on the bull. The story of Taming Rafe is how he get’s back on…but as a different kind of man.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Rafe and katherine? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

I know that Kat's desire to make a difference in the world echoes my own. The images Kat experiences, and her sense of helplessness I took from my own work in orphanages in Russia. That feeling like I needed to do SOMETHING, but not feeling adequate. Also, Rafe's despair as he feels like he's caused his friend’s death – I remember my own despair when I blamed myself for an attack on our family that happened in Russia. So, although I've never been on top of a real bull, or been an heiress (yeah, I wish!), I've felt much of the same emotions that Rafe and Kat feel.

3. What themes exist in Taming Rafe that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Taming Rafe is the story of bull-rider who finds himself caught in his worst nightmare. A friend of his has died, and Rafe has destroyed his career, and he's broken and at the end of his rope. Enter Kat Breckenridge, a philanthropist from NYC who is trying desperately to keep her charitable organization from going under. It doesn't help when Rafe decimates her event – so she goes looking for him, hoping he’s a decent guy and will help her out of bankruptcy. Uh…sorry, no. Rafe's too wrapped up in his own problems to help her. But she's persuasive, and she's going to help him heal. In the process she also discovers a few secrets about herself that will change her life. It's one of my favorite stories because I just adore Rafe. He's a great hero – unwilling to see his need for someone until they practically force themselves into his life, but underneath that prickly exterior is a man with a great capacity to give, and love. Add to that the beauty of Montana, the excitement of bull-riding, a delicious subplot with a couple locals, and a spiritual theme about God at work in our lives. It's story I am very grateful to have been allowed to tell.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I agonized, fasted and prayed over Kat's spiritual epiphany. There is SO much I could have written, and keeping it streamlined and focused was a challenge. Also, I really wanted the suspense to be well, suspenseful, and yet, because there as SO much other story, working that thread in took a lot of pondering and care. Because of the "story in a story" aspect of the book, it was probably my most ambitious because of the pacing and the many voices. I'm very aware of the Lord's help in writing it!

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm very excited for my next book – Wiser than Serpents. Set in Taiwan, where I lived for about a month, it's a story about an FSB agent who goes undercover inside a human trafficking ring, in the hopes of finding her abducted sister. Of course, there is also a handsome Delta Force captain who has to come to her aid when she destroys his cover. Together they face some pretty bad fellas with the hope of finding her sister, and other woman caught in the web of human trafficking. I'm really excited because I'm donating a portion of the proceeds of this book to the International Justice Mission, a real-live organization dedicated to rescuing women and fighting human trafficking around the globe. Wiser than Serpents comes out in May 2008.

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Thank you, Susie, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Taming Rafe.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to U.S. residents only.

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Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Spotlight on Kim Vogel Sawyer and My Heart Remembers

For those waiting to hear the winners of the past few spotlights, I'll have them all announced later today. Working under a book deadline, I got a mite bit backed up and behind in getting out those announcements. Thanks for your patience. Be sure to check the last 6 spotlights to see if you've won. And if you haven't entered, you still have time today.

Now, for this spotlight, I have the pleasure of sharing with you a dear friend who has been an encouragement and inspiration to me for many years. She has overcome quite a lot in her career and become a featured author on endcaps and spotlighted shelves in bookstores nationwide. I just know you're going to love Kim as much as I do.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Vogel Sawyer has dreamed of being an author since her earliest memories. Seeing her books in print is sometimes still too good to be true. In addition to her writing ministry, Kim travels to women's groups to share her testimony of God's miraculous hand of healing in her life--both physically and emotionally. She sees a correlation between the writing of a good story and God's good plan for every life, and she hopes her stories encourage readers to seek God's will in their own personal lives.

MY HEART REMEMBERS
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House Publishers

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

United by blood, divided by time, will three orphan train siblings ever find one another again? Orphaned in a tenement fire, three Irish-immigrant children are sent to Missouri to be adopted. Despite eight-year-old Maelle's desperate attempts to keep her siblings together, each child is taken by a different family. Yet Maelle vows that she will never stop searching for her brother and sister...and that they will be together one day in the future. Seventeen years later, Maelle is still searching. But the years have washed away her hope... and her memories. What are Mattie and Molly doing now? Where has life taken them? Will she ever see her brother and sister again?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is a new book separate from your previous series books, and one that's already been named a CBD best-seller as well as a Crossings Book Club selection. I LOVE the cover and the premise. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

This story was inspired by my dear stepgrandmother, who rode an orphan train to a new family when she was very young. Her search for "family" is represented through the characters of Maelle, Mattie, and Molly.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Emily and Matthew? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Maelle is much gutsier than I have ever been (lol), but we do have one thing in common--we both had a childhood scar to overcome before we could find peace in adulthood. God has a way of bringing healing when we trust Him. I admire Maelle's perseverance in the face of hopelessness, as well as her courage. She was something of a maverick, and she made it work.

3. What themes exist in My Heart Remembers that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I believe there is a universal desire to belong...somewhere. Kids who don't feel loved and accepted at home try to find a place of belonging in gangs or cults or other inappropriate settings. There is one place each of us can belong, and that is in God's family. I hope that theme comes through. The theme that slipped in as I wrote is that God has plans for us, and when we seek His leading, "all things work together for good." That was a great reminder for me. :)

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

This was the hardest book I've written to date. Trying to make each character strong enough to stand out, and weaving their storylines...overlapping but not crossing...was quite a challenge! Some of my favorite parts included Petey, the little street urchin (but I'm such a softie when it comes to kids...). I can't say my other favorite parts without giving key elements of the story away! LOL!

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm delighted that in August, readers will get to revisit the community of Gaeddert from my first Bethany House historical, Waiting for Summer's Return. The sequel to Summer's story, titled Where the Heart Leads, features a grown-up Thomas Ollenburger who has a college diploma in hand...but isn't sure how God wants him to use it. I had such fun going back to Gaeddert and peeking in at Peter, Summer, and Thomas again.

Thanks muchly for the opportunity to visit with you, Tiff!

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Thank *you*, Kim, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of My Heart Remembers.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to U.S. residents only.

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