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Friday, August 31, 2012

Guest Blogger Tracy Krauss and Wind over Marshdale

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TRACY KRAUSS is an author, artist, playwright, director, worship leader, and teacher. Originally from a small prairie town, she received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Saskatchewan. She has lived in many places in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor, and their children. They currently live in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada where she pursues all of her creative interests.

Published works include four romantic suspense novels: AND THE BEAT GOES ON, where archaeological evidence for creation comes at a heavy cost; MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER, the story of a ‘cougar’ who takes on more than she bargained for; PLAY IT AGAIN, about an unlikely match during the 1980s rock n’ roll scene; and WIND OVER MARSHDALE, where strong spiritual forces rock a seemingly peaceful prairie town. She also has several stage plays in print. Visit her website for more details. http://www.tracykrauss.com.

WIND OVER MARSHDALE
by Tracy Krauss
Published by Astraea Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Marshdale. Just a small farming community where nothing special happens. A perfect place to start over… or get lost. There is definitely more to this prairie town than meets the eye. Once the meeting place of aboriginal tribes for miles around, some say the land itself was cursed because of the people’s sin. But its history goes farther back than even indigenous oral history can trace and there is still a direct descendant who has been handed the truth, like it or not. Exactly what ties does the land have to the medicine of the ancients? Is it cursed, or is it all superstition?

Wind Over Marshdale is the story of the struggles within a small prairie town when hidden evil and ancient medicine resurface. Caught in the crossfire, new teacher Rachel Bosworth finds herself in love with two men at once. First, there is Thomas Lone Wolf, a Cree man whose blood lines run back to the days of ancient medicine but who has chosen to live as a Christian and faces prejudice from every side as he tries to expose the truth. Then there is Con McKinley, local farmer who has to face some demons of his own. Add to the mix a wayward minister seeking anonymity in the obscurity of the town; eccentric twin sisters – one heavily involved in the occult and the other a fundamentalist zealot; and a host of other ‘characters’ whose lives weave together unexpectedly for the final climax. This suspenseful story is one of human frailty - prejudice, cowardice, jealousy, and greed – magnified by powerful spiritual forces that have remained hidden for centuries, only to be broken in triumph by grace.

Link to an excerpt: http://tracykrauss.yolasite.com/wind-over-marshdale-first-chapters.php

Readers, buy your copy of Wind over Marshdale today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Lessons from a frog

Some students in the science department at the school where I teach did a project recently called, “How to boil a frog.” As unappetizing as it sounds, the premise is that frogs, since they are cold blooded, don’t realize the heat is being turned up if it’s done gradually. They’re happy to bask in their nice pot-come-swimming-pool until their blood literally boils.

I won’t go into the finer details, and please – no nasty backlash from the animal rights advocates out there. The frogs, apparently, don’t suffer if it’s done a few degrees at a time. For some of us, our experience as writers is somewhat the same. I’m not talking about being boiled alive, although sometimes critic’s comments can have that effect. I’m talking about the gradual addition of ‘tasks’ that, if they had been laid on us in one dump, would have surely killed our aspirations.

I’m a writer at heart. It’s what I would do all day every day if given the chance. But, like every other writer I know, there is a lot more to it than writing. With it comes the necessity of promoting yourself and your work – something I never even thought about before publication. I read an alarming statistic recently that said the average author spends 75% of their time promoting and only 25% writing new material. Yikes! That isn’t what I signed up for! Upon reflection, however, I think I actually fit this stat.

Secondly, statistics also say that the majority of novelists do not make their living writing novels. That’s reality, folks. They have another day job or they are privileged to have a spouse supporting them. Even if they ‘write’ for a living as in a newspaper, copy editing, etc. they aren’t making their bread and butter on fiction. This was a huge disappointment for me the first time I heard it. My dream is to write full time … to become the next break-out best seller… In the meantime, I teach secondary school, which isn’t so bad since I teach drama so I also get to write plays for my students.

I’ve been asked how I manage to juggle all these aspects of my life – writing new material, promoting already published stuff, teaching full time, ministry (I am the worship coordinator and leader at my church), and home life. When I think about all the hats I wear, sometimes I’m not sure. Fortunately, like the frog, each new responsibility was added gradually. When my children were young, I was not as active in the church and I did not work full time outside the home. Although I didn’t have as much time to write as I would have liked, I managed to squeeze in an hour or so a day while the kids napped. When they got older and I decided to homeschool them, I still instituted an afternoon ‘quiet play time’ which was set aside for writing, and my husband was good about allowing me some time in the evenings. They grew up seeing me write and knew that this was not the time to disturb me!

Once I went back to teaching public school my writing schedule changed, but my family was already well adapted to my need for solitude, be it on the weekend or during holiday breaks. The addition of more responsibilities was added when my husband and I went into ministry full time.

When I first started submitting written work, I was very discouraged by all the rejection. Then, when I did finally land my first contract in 2008, I still sometimes caught myself feeling jealous of all the other writers who had managed to get published long before me, and with seemingly less effort. (I’m sure that’s not true, but it’s how I felt.) It had been a very long time coming, and it was hard not to be envious of other people’s success.

Then my husband had some very wise words. (He does that occasionally.) He noted that I probably wouldn’t have been able to handle all the stress and busyness of the marketing end of things at a sooner point in my life.

When I though about it, I knew he was right. Marketing and promoting takes up a ridiculous amount of time and energy. There is no way I could have handled it when my kids were small, or when I started homeschooling, or when I first went back to teaching full time, or when we took our first pastorate. God, in His wisdom, knew what was the right timing FOR ME.

What’s right for me will not be what is right for you, of course. We are all individuals and everyone’s writing journey is unique. Like the frog, my ‘heat level’ has been added in gradual increments. Sure I sometimes feel stressed if there is a deadline coming or too many things happen at once. But generally, I feel pretty satisfied with the way things are going. I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing and loving every minute of it. That’s really all a person can ask.

* * * * *

Thank you, Tracy, for sharing with us today.

Reader Question: What is your passion and how do you fit it into the rest of your busy life?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free eBook copy of your choice of either the Kindle or ePub edition of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Guest Blogger Janet Bly and Stuart Brannon's Final Shot

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JANET CHESTER BLY has authored 31 books, including 19 co-authored with her late husband, award-winning author Stephen Bly. She lives at 4200 ft. elev. in the mountains of Idaho on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. She's mother to 3 married sons, grandmother of 4, and has 1 great-grandchild.

STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT
by Stephen Bly (with Janet, Russell, Michael, & Aaron Bly)
Published by Center Point Publishers (hardback); Greenbriar Book Company (ebook and paperback)

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's 1905. Two orphans flee from Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.

Readers, buy your copy of Stuart Brannon's Final Shot today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

A Sentimental Journey
Research for Stuart Brannon's Final Shot
Janet Chester Bly
Copyright ©2012

To write a story set in 1905, there’s context and conflicts, places and people, a whole lot of detail accuracy to grasp. That’s part of the fun. . .and frustration. . .of writing fiction.

When my three sons and I set out to finish the novel hubby Stephen Bly began, we scrambled to do the groundwork of playing major catch-up on what he knew from long years of immersion in his genre and the times. He left us 7,000 words, a one-page story synopsis, and a long list of character names.

We had four months to do the research, craft the rest of the story, and turn in the final manuscript of 77,000 words. So, part of the plan included passing out assignments. I went on location to the Oregon coast.

I had gone there the year before with hubby, but I came along for the ride that time. He did the work. I enjoyed sunsets over the beach, grilled salmon dinners, digging in the sand and leisurely walks hugged by sea breezes. This time I had to be alert to the specifics of the flora and fauna, the history and smells, and making careful recordings in my notebook and with my camera. I forced myself to ignore romantic memories and the urge to run barefoot along the shore. A very different kind of 'going to the beach' trip.

The Places
I did interviews in Astoria, Oregon, the seat of Clatsop County and sought details at Fort Clatsop, where explorers Lewis and Clark wintered in 1805 and was later the site of the William Smith home where a violent conflict takes place.

I stayed in Gearhart, Oregon, with its razor clams, golf course and infamous Ridgeway Path. I studied about beached gray whales and local snakes, wild horses and cougars. At night I read about general info like horse behavior and control when they're in foreign (to them) landscapes. A short jaunt to Seaside, Oregon, revealed a museum where I could find out about its early twentieth century law enforcement, the layout of the town site and the Salt Works Lewis & Clark memorial.

I searched out what it was like at the Portland, Oregon depot in 1905 and the layout of the Lewis & Clark Centennial Exposition.

Then there was the late addition of the Tillamook Head promontory for one of the major novel scenes, to substitute for the deserted island that we discovered didn’t exist. No islands at all, only rock outcroppings, off the Oregon coast. Did not realize that. Found out in time not to make a critical mistake.

The People
After settling on the local Clatsop tribe for our Indian characters, gathered biographies on famous golfers and historical persons, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill Cody and W.C. Fields. Read up on the orphan trains and Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Later we did a sort of casting audition of all former characters in Stuart Brannon novels to determine who made the cut in this last one.

The Products and Inventions
Ads in old newspapers revealed brands of cigars and cigarettes, clothing styles and golf equipment. Then there's the weapons of the era, as well as various gadgets such as flashlights and lawnmowers, telephones and walking sticks to consider. And the wardrobe, of course. In a search of Oregon trains, came across railroad land controversies that worked well with the plot. Loved finding out about the transportation, the motor cars and boats, bicycles and fire trucks.

More Story World Emersion
Narcissa Kinney passed away before this story opens, but she's a real-life character that provides a lot of background for the novel. She made Gearhart a dry town. The stipulation of no liquor bought or sold within the city remained more than seventy years after her death.

Narcissa also brought culture in the form of a 200-acre Gearhart Park that included an auditorium for traveling circuit speakers and entertainment, part of the Chautauqua movement. Gearhart residents and visitors enjoyed classic plays, Broadway hits, opera stars, glee clubs and bands such as John Philip Sousa’s. Fiery orators and activists, crusaders and preachers took advantage of this forum. More than four hundred cities across the country sponsored these same events. President Theodore Roosevelt called them, “the most American thing in America.”

Narcissa’s husband, Marshall Kinney, instigated the links golf course on the north side of Gearhart. My husband loved playing on the narrow ridges, rolls and dips of the grass-covered dunes. We could hear and feel the ocean, though it’s out of sight. Gearhart Golf Links opened circa 1892 and ranks the second oldest course in the west. There’s not a straight trunk along any fairway, only twisted, wind-sculptured trees. A breezy adventure.

In the shadows of the backdrop of the story, one hundred years earlier the waves swell and roll over the empty sea. No supply ship on the horizon as Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark end their cross-country expedition at the Pacific Ocean. They winter at Fort Clatsop, then the long journey home. All this necessitated a scan of their journals because their adventures spill over into this one.

Creating a story begins with objective facts, the truth in fiction. But I also included the landscape of my own emotions, to partially transfer to the widower, Stuart Brannon. Nothing in life's ever wasted for the writer.

* * * * *

Thank you, Janet, for sharing with us today.

Reader Question: Have you ever traveled to a fun location with a purpose other than R&R or family vacation? Where and why?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free autographed copy of your choice of either the hardback or paperback edition of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Guest Blogger Mary Ellis and Living in Harmony

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARY ELLIS grew up near the Amish and fell in love with them. She has now written nine bestselling novels set in their communities. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, bicycling, and swimming. Before "retiring" to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Her debut Christian book, A Widow's Hope, was a finalist for the 2010 ACFW Carols.

LIVING IN HARMONY
by Mary Ellis
Published by Harvest House

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Tragedy…a Refusal…a Shunning
Will Their Young Love Survive?

Amy King—young, engaged, and Amish—faces life-altering challenges when she suddenly loses both of her parents in a house fire. Her fiancĂ©, John Detweiler, persuades her to leave Lancaster County and make a new beginning with him in Harmony, Maine, where he has relatives who can help them.

John’s brother Thomas and sister-in-law, Sally, readily open their home to the newcomers. Wise beyond his years, Thomas, a minister in the district, refuses to marry Amy and John upon their arrival, suggesting instead a period of adjustment. While trying to assimilate in the ultraconservative district, Amy discovers an aunt who was shunned. Amy wants to reconnect with her, but John worries that the woman’s tarnished reputation will reflect badly on his beloved bride-to-be.

Can John and Amy find a way to overcome problems in their relationship and live happily in Harmony before making a lifetime commitment to each other?

Readers, buy your copy of Living in Harmony today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

I just returned from researching the Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities of Kentucky to prepare me to write book three of the series, A Little Bit of Charm. I traipsed all over Barren and Casey Counties in search of horses and buggies and those who prefer a slower pace of life. I stayed at the home of my best friend in Somerset and took along her three grand-daughters to keep me company. They received a priceless education that surpassed anything found in textbooks. And having them with me opened more doors and lowered many people’s defenses. Who could resist three charming little girls?

Although I live within an hour of the largest population of Amish in the country, a writer truly needs to visit the area, since there are so many regional differences. For instance, in Waldo County, Maine, the setting of book one, Living in Harmony, the Old Order Amish allow no rumschpringe, no courting buggies, no youth socials (everyone is present for all get-togethers) and no working in the English world. However, their church services are in English, not Deutsch, to encourage “drop-ins” from the local community.

These Old Order Amish have an ecumenical outlook on Christianity, similar to New Order Amish (which makes up only ten percent of the population. And they built a meetinghouse to use for church, Sunday School (yes, they have it on “off” Sundays) weddings and fund-raising events, instead of meeting in each other’s homes. I find interesting stories in every community I visit.

Last fall I researched the Amish of Audrain, Randolph and Boone County, Missouri, in preparation to write book two of the series, Love Comes to Paradise. I found the Missouri Plain believers to be the most private and reserved of all I’ve met thus far. But one lovely wife and mother who ran an in-home bakery provided me with plenty of information and a few amusing tales. Just when you thought you had these fascinating people figured out…

I hope you will look for book one of the New Beginnings series, called Living in Harmony, just released.

Hurry and subscribe to my newsletter at www.maryellis.net by August 16. I will be giving away 10 free copies of Living in Harmony to newsletter subscribers.

* * * * *

Thank you, Mary, for sharing with us today.

Reader Question: What are you doing this year for vacation? Or if you've already gone, what did you do?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free autographed copy of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Guest Bloggers Kathleen E. Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer and Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kathleen E. Kovach lives in northeast Colorado where she leads a critique group and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, serving as Rocky Mountain Zone Director. With a passion for movies, she has created Craft Cinema (www.craftcinema.blogspot.com) where she discusses movies through the craft of fiction. An award winning author of Christian romance, she presents spiritual truths with a giggle, proving herself as one of God's peculiar people. Visit her at www.kathleenekovach.com.

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer has published over 300 times. Her first two novels release in 2012. She serves as Colorado Coordinator for the American Christian Fiction Writers and homeschools. Paula loves peppermint ice cream and walking barefoot. Her greatest desire is to be close enough to Jesus to breathe His fragrance. Visit www.paulamoldenhauer.com for devotionals, parenting articles and book info.

For fun info and to order Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal please visit www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com.

TITANIC: LEGACY OF BETRAYAL
by Kathleen E. Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer
Published by CreateSpace

ABOUT THE BOOK

A secret. A key. Much was buried when the Titanic went down, but now it’s time for resurrection.

April 1912 - Olive Stanford boarded the Titanic determined to protect all she held dear. Her secret will go with her to the grave—but how can she face the afterlife carrying the burden of her actions?

April 2012 - Portland real estate agent, Ember Keaton-Jones, distrusts men, with good reason. Ever since her great-great-grandfather, Thomas, deserted the family after the fateful sinking of the Titanic, every Keaton male has disappointed. Ember is on the brink of a huge sale when a stranger shows up with a key to a century-old secret challenging everything she believes. She meets forward-thinking Jeff Dawson who is working in the family’s musty antique shop and finds an unexpected ally in unlocking the mystery of her past. But can they undo the legacy of Thomas Keaton's betrayal? Carefully researched, this engaging tale includes true stories of the Titanic embedded in historical fiction.

Readers, buy your copy of Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHORS

Draw All Men Kathleen E. Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer

How does one write a Christian story without writing a Christian story? Why would they even attempt that? We hope to answer these two questions in this article.

Let me begin with the second, using a slight paraphrasing. Why would anyone professing Christ want to write a book outside of the traditional Christian publishing market? In the beginning stages of our latest publication, Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal, we knew we were called to write real, to share our hearts without Christian verbiage. Not that writing for the inspirational market isn’t real, but to a fallen world it can certainly sound too good to be true. It becomes a turn-off, or in our case, they shut the book and refuse to give it a chance. We wanted to tell a story that might help someone who doesn’t know Jesus consider who He is. While we hope our Christian readers follow us, we tried to write in such a way that someone without faith will find it believable—and maybe even wrestle with God’s place in his or her life.

And now to answer the how of writing this type of story. Often in our past individual projects, we knew the spiritual thread even before the plot. This time all we knew was that we wanted readers to think about God by the end of the book. As we got deeper into the project we felt God whisper, “Do you see what we’re doing now?” Only God knows who is going to read this book. We gave it to Him to shape and to marble in the spiritual meat. As we worked through the plot, we’d occasionally declare that we had Ember figured out. Ember distrusted men—for good reason. Her journey requires her to step outside her walls and prejudices. She had to see her life through a different lens. We envisioned all sorts of themes, from trust to fear. But when we figured out what God wanted to say, the whole story fell into place. It appeared that He wanted to address generational bondage—how the choices of those who’ve gone before us affect how we think about life.

Some of us are in a prison of pain, blinded by our past, or even the past of our ancestors. We’re oppressed by things that were set in motion before we were old enough to make choices for ourselves. But these generational strongholds can be broken. We don’t have to live in the same dysfunction and patterns of our past or the past of our parents or grandparents. Jesus came to give freedom and a life of fulfillment. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NIV). “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT).

He also said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). Even though this verse speaks of his crucifixion, the NIV version also states in the footnotes that “lifted up” can mean exalted. This is what we hope to have done in our story. We have exalted Christ in our worldview knowing that by doing so it will draw ALL men to Him.

How does one write a Christian story without writing a Christian story? Through faith that the One who is really writing it will be sure His message is told. Why would they even attempt that? To draw ALL people to Him.

* * * * *

Thank you, Kathy and Paula, for sharing with us today.

Reader Question: How important is it to you to read a book with a strong spiritual thread?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free Kindle eBook copy of the book featured above. Don't have a Kindle? You can download the free Kindle app for your PC, iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Guest Blogger Linore Rose Burkard and Her One True Soldier

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LINORE BURKARD creates Inspirational Romance to Warm the Soul. Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends, The House in Grosvenor Square and, The Country House Courtship. Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from history. England from the past comes alive and happy endings are always possible!

HER ONE TRUE SOLDIER
by Linore Rose Burkard
Published by Lilliput Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Is pop-singer Christine Hartman's fairy-tale success story about to end? When a man in camo literally falls across her path while she's on a routine walk on her private, posted retreat property, she knows danger is afoot. Yet she has no idea of what's coming, or why her life might depend on what she knows. Readers will find page-turning suspense, mystery and romance in this novelette that ends on Ms. Burkard's famously upbeat notes.

Readers, buy your copy of Her One True Soldier today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Authors are (Imperfect) Mommies, Too!

Last spring, I was working on a book called Ship of Dreams.
My daughter called me from her High School one day.
"Mom, I missed the bus. Could you pick me up?"
"Okay, honey."
"But could you wait a few minutes, like, say, twenty to thirty minutes, and then get me?"
"Sure, honey."
I hung up with the happy reassurance that I had more time to go on writing the scene from my novel that was actually rather thrilling. It was a pivotal scene in the book. WELL...
About an hour later the phone rang.
"Mom?"
"BETH! Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! I'm on my way!"
And thus goes the life of a writer. If she had wanted me to get her immediately I could have done that, no problemo.
But to let me get back into a pivotal scene of my current work-in-progress? Um. Problem.
A writer has to be LIVING the scene if she or he wants it to be believable. For me, I have to be living it in order to write it.
Once I had her in the car on the way home, my daughter looked at me with a miffed expression. "So, what happened?"
"Bethany," I explained patiently, "You have to understand. I was on the Titanic with more than 1,000 passengers who were going down!"
She looked at me for a moment, thinking, and slowly smiled. A little. "Okay, mom. I get it."
Thank goodness for understanding family.

* * * * *

Thank you, Linore, for sharing with us today.

Reader Question: Could you remember to pick someone up from school while the Titanic is sinking? What has been your most memorable (or regrettable) "oops" regarding a family member or a friend?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free Kindle eBook copy of the book featured above. Don't have a Kindle? You can download the free Kindle app for your PC, iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Thursday, August 02, 2012

August 2012 New Releases in Christian Fiction

Here are the new releases in Christian fiction for August. More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Words in the Wind (Gateway to Gannah #2) by Yvonne Anderson — Marooned in a desolate canyon half a planet from home, a lone survivor struggles to separate reality from illusion. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy from Risen Books).

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell — When a girl from the other side of the tracks does everything to get the attention of the town’s leading citizen, she finds out too late it means little if she doesn’t have his heart. (Historical Romance from River North (Moody).

Avenir Eclectia, Volume 1 by Grace Bridges, Pauline Creeden, Kat Heckenbach, Keven Newsome, H.A. Titus, Fred Warren and more — A human colony in the constellation of the Whale struggles to survive on an aging orbital station peopled with bureaucrats, wizards, beggars and cyborgs, and a violently unstable planet overrun with giant bugs and telepathic sea creatures. (Speculative Fiction from Splashdown Books).

Something Blue by Dianne Christner — Life is going well for Megan Weaver. She has the job of her dreams working with Chance Campbell, a charming and daring missionary pilot. Then Micah Zimmerman moves into her parents’ home as a pastoral candidate for the Big Darby Conservative Mennonite church. It wouldn’t be so bad, except Megan remembers her unkindness to Micah as a gawky young man who once had a crush on her in college. But even though Micah has improved, he’s nothing compared to Chance. Micah finds that his heart for Megan hasn’t changed, but he’s having to battle to keep the single… (Romance from Barbour).

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy — Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever. Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever. After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he’s got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn’t happy to find out Seth doesn’t remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she’s come to the Kincaid family’s ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis — Amy King must reconcile her past relationship with a shunned aunt before she can become any man’s wife and take her place in a new and alien community. (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House).

Hearts in the Mist by Elizabeth Goddard — While Artisan Sela Fox runs her gift shop, she creates rare and beautiful guitars from redwood burl just as her husband had until his death. When land developer Evan Black shows up on her doorstep, using his humor and good looks to try and persuade her to sell the small slice of heaven she owns, she refuses to give up the only reminder she has left of her husband. But Evan is even more stubborn than the lovely Sela, and he has plans of his own. When he shares his talent for classical guitar using one of Sela’s creations, he’d not intended to woo her, but she responds to his serenade. (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents (Barbour).

Walks Alone by Sandi G. Rog — A Cheyenne warrior bent on vengeance. A pioneer woman bent on fulfilling a dream. Until their paths collide. (Romance from White-Fire Publishing).

Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon — When Kelly Warren discovers a new piece of evidence that she believes proves her father’s “suicide” was really murder, she takes it to Detective Cole Taylor. He doesn’t put much credence in her claim, and nothing in his review of the case suggests foul play. Yet when he digs deeper, he discovers a startling secret that links her to a long-ago crime-and a deadly killer. Is history repeating itself? And if not, then who wants her silenced? (Romantic Suspense from Revell).

Lakeside Family by Lisa Jordan — The one man she never wanted to see again is the only one who can save her daughter’s life. (Romance from Love Inspired).

Central Park Rendevous by Dineen Miller, Ronie Kendig, MaryLu Tyndall and Kim Sawyer — Experience the beauty of Central Park where four heroes dare to risk their hearts once more for a timeless love. (A romance novella from Barbour).

Angel of the Cove by Sandra Robbins — In 1894 a young woman spends the summer apprenticing to a mountain midwife in Cades Cove, a remote valley deep in the Smoky Mountains. (Historical Romance from Harvest House).

Rodeo Ashes by Shannon Taylor Vanatter — A young rodeo widow must overcome grief for her husband and find new love. (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents (Barbour).

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

2012 RWA Award winners

RWA held their annual national convention this past week, and at it the annual awards for both the RITA and the IRCA given by the Faith, Hope & Love Chapter of RWA. In place of my usual author guest blog today, I'm sharing the winner's list with you. And here they are:

Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards (IRCA)


Long Contemporary
Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson (Revell)








Long Historical — tie for 2nd place
Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House)




Short Contemporary — tie for 1st place
Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii by Robin Jones Gunn (Summerside)
Light the Fire by Mary Manners (White Rose)






Short Historical
Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher (Zondervan)






Romantic Suspense
Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper (Multnomah)





Women's Fiction
Broken Wings by Carla Stewart (FaithWords)







Novella
A Perfect Plan by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)


RITA
Inspirational Romance
The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller (Revell, Vicki Crumpton, editor)

Congratulations to all my fellow Christian fiction authors!