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Friday, March 30, 2012

Guest Blogger Gail Sattler and Seattle Cinderella

Today, I smile at the thought of this author. She's been a fellow author at Barbour with me for several years, and she's made an infamous name for herself by changing her hair color numerous times. Even hosted a contest for others to guess what color her hair would be at an upcoming annual conference a few years back. Today, she's turning a traditional fairytale on its head. Read more to find out...


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GAIL SATTLER lives in Vancouver BC (Canada, eh!)--where you don't have to shovel rain--with her husband, 3 sons, 2 dogs, a tankful of fish, and a lizard named Bub who is quite cuddly for a reptile, when he's not eating her houseplants. When she's not writing, Gail plays piano for the worship team at her church, jazz bass in a local jazz band, and acoustic double bass for a community orchestra. Visit Gail at her website at www.gailsattler.com.

SEATTLE CINDERELLA
by R. J. Larson
Published by Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

A modern retelling of one of the world's favorite fairytales, with a fun twist - find out what happens to her two step-sisters, and her godmother, in this anthology of 4 novellas written in series.

Readers, buy your copy of Seattle Cinderella today! And be sure to check out the web site dedicated to this book as well.

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Fact is Stranger Than Fiction (or is it really?)
by Gail Sattler

When I was writing my first book, it was pointed out to me by other more experienced writers to be careful with what I say in the book, because even though as the saying goes, fact is stranger than fiction, if the fact is strange, even if true, people might not believe it, so make it up instead, and then present that as fact, after all, this is fiction.

Did that make any sense? Well, it will if you read it slowly.

Well, it made sense to me.

As a writer, people think I must lead a very unusual life, and to some degree, that is true. I often stop to wonder what people see in their minds when they think of what a writer is really like as a person. For example, right now one of my favorite television programs is Castle. (for obvious reasons, I would think) So here we have an actor playing an author in a television show where the fake author has written a fake book which turns out to be a real book written by a ghost author with the fake author's name on it, because the fake author is really an actor, who makes a living being a fake person. Then the book was published for real under the fake name of an author whom everyone knows doesn't really exist.

Speak of perception of authors, in one movie I saw a few years ago, Nim's Island, one of the major character was an author who was more than just a little strange. In all her quirks, and there were many, she was quite believable, and the audience wanted to believe it, so they did.

I've seen many movies and television shows that have a character who is an author. My husband has a tendency to point them out to me. Every one of them. I don't know why. But usually they show the author as a person who marches to the beat of a different drummer. They don't always fit in with the rest of the crowd, their perspective is a bit left of center, and some of their quirks are off the map.

I would like to refute that, but in a way, I can't. It is true, my mind often exists in a world of "what if?". But if I had to sum most writers up in one word, I'd say writers are naturally curious. Okay, that's two words, but I think you know what I mean. Writers are naturally curious people. We have a slightly different perspective on many things, and that's probably why we can write about them.

A lot of people I talk to, once they learn I am a writer, ask me how I got started. To that, I simply say, an idea just grabbed me, so I sat down and continued with it to see where it would go.

* * * * *

Thank you, Gail, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: If you were asked to sit down and start writing, ignoring if you've never written anything longer than your grocery list, what would you write about? What idea could you expand into a story?

No giveaway this week, but I hope you still interact with our guest blogger. Thanks!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Guest Blogger R. J. Larson and The Prophet

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you an author who shares my beloved home city of Colorado Springs...along with several other Christian authors. You're going to love what she has to say about dreams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

R. J. LARSON is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

PROPHET
by R. J. Larson
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified, bad tempered, and only seventeen--not to mention that no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as the elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Yet she cannot live without Him....

Readers, buy your copy of Prophet today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

It’s always a joy to imagine a new plotline. To wander into different worlds and meet new characters whose thoughts or feelings strike a chord that I can relate to—or at least sympathize with in my own life.

As an author, I’ve been asked where I get ideas for my articles and potential books. Well, usually my inspirations strike while I’m rational, calm, awake, and reading the news, watching television, or listening to others. Usually.

However, at the risk of sounding cliché, the initial idea for my latest works first appeared in a dream. Two years ago, I woke up with a vivid image lingering in my thoughts. A frightened young woman kneeling in a dark room, praying, staring at a glowing vinewood branch, while trying to make a life-changing choice: Heed the call of her beloved Creator, knowing His offer meant that she would die young…or…ignore His call and live to be silver-haired and undoubtedly filled with regrets—and her desperate longing to hear His voice throughout her life.

What’s a gal to do?

No, not the young gal in my thoughts! Me. When this unexpected dream-image struck, I was already absorbed in an 1890’s plotline I loved. (Still love!) This new idea wasn’t something I wanted to pursue as an author. This new idea wasn’t historical, it was fantasy—a genre I loved to read, but hadn’t considered writing. I refused to wander into the fantasy realm. It wouldn’t work. Or would it? No. Absolutely not. I sat in front of my computer and faced chapter 8 of my cherished 1890’s novel and tried to concentrate.

By the end of that day, after consuming appalling amounts of chocolate and potato chips, I knew I was in trouble. The frightened young woman now had a name—Ela. And I couldn’t ignore Ela or her beloved Creator, who’d asked Ela to become His prophet. Worse, chapter 8 of my Victorian work in progress remained chapter 8. I’d made no progress because I’d been pestered by Ela, and I was fretting about her. Poor girl! What would happen to her? Could I help her?

*Deep breath.* I was being dragged into a fantasy realm.

In my thoughts, I was no longer enjoying tea and polite conversations in elegant Victorian parlors. I saw no silk gowns and experienced no adventures in the Rocky Mountains with a rambunctious young family. Instead, I saw Ela’s prophet-girl foes, sword fights, royal tyrants, monsters, and Ela’s charming but misguided suitors.

“Lord,” I prayed, “can’t someone else write this story? It’s not me.”

Yes…well…I’m sure the Lord smiled.

After days of resisting and making no further progress on chapter 8, I gave in. I emailed my dear agent, Tamela, explained my difficulty, and begged permission to write fantasy, which is not a genre she usually handles. Tamela—bless her!—agreed to consider this new proposal, PROPHET.

Now, almost two years later, one unwelcomed dream has led to three fantasy novels, the first of which is available through Bethany House Publishers. Will I ever return to my lovely 1890’s novel? I hope so. For now, I’m literally chasing my dream. Or, rather, my dream is chasing me!

* * * * *

Thank you, R.J., for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: Have you been trying to ignore a dream? If so, what is it?

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 copy of the book 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 residents of the US/Canada only.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Guest Blogger Carrie Turansky and A Man to Trust

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CARRIE TURANSKY is the award-winning author of ten novels and novellas. Carrie writes contemporary and historical romance, and her latest releases are A Man To Trust, Surrendered Hearts, and Christmas Mail-Order Brides. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, speaker and counselor. They have five young adult children and three grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys gardening, reading, flower arranging, and cooking for friends and family. She loves to connect with readers on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and through her website: www.carrieturansky.com.

A MAN TO TRUST
by Carrie Turansky
Published by Love Inspired

ABOUT THE BOOK

After Years spent helping run her family’s Christian Bookstore, it’s time for Adrie Chandler to give her own dream of playing her flute with a symphony a chance. But can she really trust the beloved shop to new manager Ross Peterson? The man is too handsome, too charming…too much a reminder of another dream Adrie had to let go of – Marriage. Yet Ross surprises her by knowing a thing or two about making sacrifices. Suddenly, Adrie’s questioning what she really wants. And whether the dreams she once thought unlikely are within reach after all.

Readers, buy your copy of A Man to Trust today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Following Your Dreams

When I was young I often dreamed about the future and what I’d like to do or be. First I wanted to be a ballerina, then an artist, an actress, a newspaper reporter, a missionary, and by the time I finished college and grad school I was sure I wanted to get married and be involved with ministry. I didn’t even dream about being a writer until I was in my mid-forties. But I’ve always loved creativity, and writing grew out of my love for reading and storytelling.

Following your dreams and seeking God’s direction for how He wants you to use your gifts and talents is one of the themes of my new book, A Man To Trust. The heroine, Adrienne Chandler, has studied music for many years and dreams of playing the flute with a symphony orchestra. But in order to follow that dream she must find someone to take over as manager of the Christian bookstore owned by her grandmother, and then she must be willing to move wherever she finds an opening with an orchestra. Her life becomes even more complicated when she starts to develop feelings for the man she hired to replace her at the bookstore. Adrie’s journey to discover God will for her life and His plan for her future carries a lesson for all of us. I hope you’ll order a copy and enjoy the story. It’s the second in a series set in Fairhaven, Washington.

Are you wondering if this is the right time for you to step out and follow your dreams? Seek God and spend time talking to Him about it. Ask other wise Christians to give you their input and ideas. Pray some more. Then step out in faith and move ahead as He directs you. When you start out on a journey, you can’t always see beyond the next bend in the road, but you can see the first step. So take it, see where it leads. Then trust God to show you what’s next. He promised to provide wisdom to anyone who asks Him, as long as we come expecting His guidance and not doubting Him.

When I think of women who have followed their dreams, I think of my friend Deb Taylor Lahey. About three years ago Deb felt a tug on her heart to help the homeless, so she decided to volunteer at TASK, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. She’d never done anything like that before, and she was a little apprehensive, but she sensed God wanted her to go, so she went. As she spent time each week at TASK, she noticed many of the people who came in for meals had no socks, or if they had socks, they were old and ragged. So Deb decided to do something about it. She brought the need back to our church, and we all began bringing her socks. But she didn’t stop there. She wrote letters to stores and manufacturers. And soon boxes and bags of socks were rolling in, filling her garage and spare bedroom. And now, at last count Deb has collected over 23,000 pairs of socks. She’s blessed and encouraged countless people, by meeting this basic need. And she’s earned the title, Te Sock Lady from all her friends at TASK.

It’s never too late to seek God about your dreams and desires and enjoy all He has planned for you!

* * * * *

Thank you, Carrie, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: What kind of dream has God placed in your heart?

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 copy of the book 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 residents of the US/Canada only.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Guest Blogger Diane Graham and I Am Ocilla

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DIANE GRAHAM lives in the mountains of eastern Oklahoma with her husband and five children. She is an avid reader and lover of all art forms that encapsulate imagination and goodness. She has been a waitress, a car saleswoman, a real estate wannabe, and had grandeur dreams of growing up to be a mom. Never in a million years did she expect to be a writer, but children do this awesome thing with a person's imagination. Now she can't stop writing. You may find out more about Diane at http://www.dianemgraham.com or on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dianemgrahamauthor.

I AM OCILLA
by Diane Graham
Published by Splashdown Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

Open your heart and mind to the simplicity and complexity of a name. I know only my name. Beyond that is confusion, a void where fantasy and reality swirl together. Fairies, Giants, Elves, Dwarves, ancient Keepers, and...Dragons? A dark soul threatens the Five Kingdoms, but I am powerless to stand against it, overwhelmed by phantom memories, broken and lost.
Somehow, I must live. I must find my purpose.
There are friends to love and battles to fight.
I know my name. Perhaps that is enough.
I am Ocilla.
This is my story.

Readers, buy your copy of I Am Ocilla today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.-- Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

My very favorite part of being a writer is not writing at all. It is the stuff before the writing and the stuff between the words. It is the dreaming. No one ever thought I’d be a writer, but they did think I pondered a lot. Isn’t that the biggest part of writing? The dreams that catapult into your mind and plants itself in the membrane of your existence? It weaves in so deeply that no matter how much you try to think of other things, it always manages to sneak back to the center, dancing a silly jig or sticking its tongue out in a dare. A challenge presents itself to me like a jigsaw puzzle on a rainy day. Every time I walk by that table, I hunch over to fit one more piece, only this puzzle has no box and I have no idea how beautiful the picture will be until I am done.

That is what writing a fantasy is like for me. I write with a Christian worldview because just like the story, Christ is weaved into my soul. It wasn’t something I set out to do a certain way. It just happened that HE kept placing things in the stories I wrote that screamed to the world that I am His. Or maybe it doesn’t scream to the world, but it was like an anvil over my head when I first realized it.

I suppose it is like that for all Christians when they embrace the gifts God gives them. There is a level of joy you can only attribute to Him. A sureness that you are doing exactly what you are made to do.

* * * * *

Thank you, Diane, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: Do you have one thing you can do that you know is a blessing from God...a gift?

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 ONE of TWO FREE eBook copies of the book above. There will be TWO winners this week! 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, March 14, 2012

Guest Blogger Margaret Daley and Saving Hope

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARGARET DALEY Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-two books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com. She has 2 current releases.


SAVING HOPE
by Margaret Daley
Published by Abingdon Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped. Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

Readers, buy your copy of Saving Hope today!

A LOVE REKINDLED
by Margaret Daley
Published by Harlequin's Love Inspired

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Do You Want My Help Or Not?" -- Kim Walters wants Zane Davidson's help all right. Her family is struggling to rebuild their home after a hurricane, and Zane is a successful contractor. But the fifteen years that have passed since they were high school sweethearts aren't about to magically melt away. Nothing can erase Mr. Walters's clear message—Zane wasn't good enough for his daughter. But now the Walters fortune is gone, and the town is reeling from the recent natural disaster. Can Kim and Zane find the faith to believe that some things work better the second time around?

Readers, buy your copy of A Love Rekindled today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Spring—Time to Renew
By Margaret Daley

You probably want to know what spring has to do with writing. Well, nothing directly except I find myself wanting to skip writing and spend more time outside after a long winter. It does become harder to plant my butt in the chair and write. So first, I’m asking what do you do to keep yourself on track when the great outdoors (with lots of sunshine and flowers) is calling you? Right now the gorgeous day is shouting my name.

What I really want to write about is what spring means and how it applies to a writer. When I think of spring, I think of renewing and refreshing. Nature does it and it is so welcomed by me. Nothing beats seeing the trees putting leaves on, flowers coming up, bushes leafing out and blooming. Nature’s colors change from dull, drab ones to vibrant colors that just looking at them helps me feel renewed and ready for whatever is next. That’s what I want to be able to do as a writer whenever I need it.

As much as I wish I could have spring more than a few months a year (Can you tell spring is my favorite season?), I can’t, at least not in Oklahoma where it will get extremely hot in the summer. So what do I do to renew myself as a writer throughout the year?

When I finish a book, I treat myself to a double dip ice cream cone (cookie dough) guilt free and a few days off from writing before I start my next project. I try to build in some rewards for accomplishing certain things, but is that enough? See the questions below for my request for your help. Any suggestions are appreciated.

* * * * *

Thank you, Margaret, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: What do you do to refresh yourself? Give yourself a boost to accomplish what you need to do? Do you have favorite music you listen to? Read a special book? Go out with friends or family somewhere you enjoy?

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 copy of one of the books above. There will be TWO winners this week! 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 residents of the US/Canada only.

Friday, March 09, 2012

Guest Blogger Kay Marshall Strom and The Hope of Shridula

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KAY MARSHALL STROM is the author of forty books, including The Faith of Ashish (book 1) and The Hope of Shridula (book 2) of the Blessings in India trilogy. She also wrote the highly acclaimed Grace in Africa trilogy, with books 1 and 2 named in ALA Booklist’s Top Ten inspirational fiction of 2010 and 2011. Kay travels the globe, speaking out against social injustice, especially modern-day slavery. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest.

THE HOPE OF SHRIDULA (book 2 in the Blessings in India trilogy
by Kay Marshall Strom
Published by Abingdon Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

India 1946: For forty-eight years, Shridula’s family toiled as virtual slaves in the fields of the high-caste Mammen family, all because of her grandfather’s small debt. Her name, like that of her father Ashish, means blessing. When Shridula was born, her father said, “Maybe the name will bring her more fortune than it brought me.” His words prove prophetic in more ways than he ever could have imagined. Shridula works in the home of the oppressive, so-called Christian, landowner—a terrifying place. Despite all, she gets a glimpse of Christianity. As flames of revolt burn through India, God’s hand is on Shridula. Hope comes to her in many ways—through the Bible given to her father many years earlier, through the landowner’s daughter, through clouds of war, and through an aging missionary time forgot.

Readers, buy your copy of The Hope of Shridula today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR


Researching Around the World
by: Kay Marshall Strom


An “Untouchable” Indian family, bowed beneath the oppression of the caste system, fights its way toward freedom and faith.

Slave traders swagger though the Slave Coast of Africa, totally unaware that God is at work. Very soon their lives will change, and nothing will ever be the same again.

In the hill country of Nepal, traffickers weave a tight and vicious web. One small girl outsmarts them all.

Each of these is the premise of one of my books (or, in one case, a chapter in one). Some are historical, others current. Some deal lightly with the global setting, others are intricately interwoven with it. But one thing is always the same:  Readers who may never see these places expect the book to be specific and accurate. How do I know? Because they tell me. The following are excerpts from readers’ actual messages followed by my answers:

“I was dumbfounded by Grace and all she went through in the three Grace in Africa books. Was that true?  How do you know?” – Natalie W.

Yes, Natalie, the premise was true. Grace’s parents—an English slave trader and his African wife—were fashioned after real people I “met” while I was in West Africa researching Once Blind: The Story of John Newton. I spent a great deal of time in a restored slave holding fortress (Goree Island), looking and reading and asking questions. I fashioned Zulina Fortress after it (The Call of Zulina).

“I just finished reading The Hope of Shridula [book 2 of the Blessings in India trilogy]. I’d never heard much about what went on with India’s independence, and I knew nothing about the partition of Pakistan. How do you know all that is true?” –Jon

First of all, I read and read and read. I read history written from India’s viewpoint, from the British viewpoint, and from Pakistan’s viewpoint. I also talked about my project on Facebook. To my great joy, an Indian Facebook friend put me in touch with an old man who, at the age of 15, had served in the Indian army on the front lines during partition. He told me so much, and sent me painfully insightful documents. 

“Can you really speak the Indian language? You use it in The Faith of Ashish and The Hope of Shridula. How did you learn it?” –Carolyn B.

Although the official language of India is Hindi, and the language of education and business is English, the languages spoken in that country number in the many thousands.  In the books, I used Malayalam, the language spoken in the Southern state of Kerala.  I don’t speak the language.  I used an on-line language translator and had help from Indian friends.

“Do you really go to all the places you write about?” –Kim Y.

Yep, Kim, I do. I don’t think one can really write the details of a location unless he or she has been there to see and hear and smell and taste. It is so important to meet the people and listen to what they have to say.  Of course, a short visit doesn’t give you everything you need. But another benefit of going is that you meet local people you can contact for specific help. (“Those little red African flowers that are brewed into tea… what are they called?”) Sometimes you can even find local people willing to read over your manuscript and point out errors. (“No, no!  Your Untouchable Indian character cannot have a silver necklace. Before independence, Untouchables were not allowed to touch metal.”)

“What is the most important thing you’ve learned about the world?” –Frederick L.

I began my travels thinking I had so much to share with my global brothers and sisters. But, oh, they have so much more to teach me. The most important thing I’ve learned is to close my mouth and listen.

* * * * *

Thank you, Kay, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: What is most important to you when read a book with a foreign setting?

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 copy of the book 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 residents of the US/Canada only.

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

CFBA Presents Tracie Peterson and Chasing the Sun


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Chasing the Sun
Barbour Books (March 1, 2012)
by
Tracie Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. 

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books. 

ABOUT THE BOOK


When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running. 

Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing The Sun, go HERE.

MY REVIEW

I have known Tracie since early in her fiction writing career and became an instant fan after reading some of her books written for the Heartsong Presents line with Barbour Publishing. Thanks to her friendship and encouragement, I went on to sell 12 historical fiction books of my own so far to Barbour. While I can't say I've read every single book of Tracie's, I *have* read a majority of them. Each one is rich with culture, history, strong characters, and a smooth story flow. There are definite favorites, and this latest release will rank somewhat higher than others, but not among the top.

The pacing of the story flowed well, and Tracie took the common story line of single gal with 2 men vying for her affections and made it her own. However, I felt the conflict and tension wasn't as strong as it could have been, and the resolutions came about far too quickly. That being said, where this book excels is with the depiction of the Texas culture during the Civil War or post-war times. There were 3 distinct groups in Texas at this time: those in favor of the south, those in favor of the north, and those opposed to both while pushing for Texas to become its own country again. Tracie's (and her husband's) meticulous research shines through in this story and presents a unique glimpse of the mindset ruling the people of this era.

I'm intrigued enough to read the next in the series, even if only to discover more about the people. Here's hoping the conflict and tension up the ante a bit going forward.



*** I received a free copy from the publisher through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for this review. No compensation was given or received, and I was not required to give this book a favorable review. Thank you to CFBA and Bethany House for providing this book.

Thursday, March 01, 2012

March 2012 New Releases in Christian Fiction

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Love’s Sacred Song by Mesu Andrews — Young King Solomon marries a Shulamite shepherdess to quell the unrest of Israel’s northern tribes, but will this marriage become a love that sings for the ages? (Historical from Revell).

Dawn Comes Early (The Brides of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley — It’s 1895 and 29-year-old dime novelist Kate Tenney finds herself without a publisher or other means of support when her novel is banned. When she agrees to try her hand at ranching, trouble begins. The West is nothing like she wrote about in her books. (Historical Romance from Thomas Nelson).

A Perfect Square by Vannetta Chapman — Amish-English sleuthing duo Deborah Yoder and Callie Harper set out to solve a murder. But more than an innocent man’s future is at stake. In book two of the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, God’s grace touches the long-lost past as well as lives shaken by current tragedy. (Cozy Mystery from Zondervan).

Saving Hope by Margaret Daley — A 16-year-old girl is kidnapped from Beacon of Hope School. With the help of Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan, Kate Winslow is determined to find her student, but someone doesn’t want her to succeed. (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press).

I Am Ocilla by Diane M. Graham — I know only my name. Beyond that is confusion, a void where fantasy and reality swirl together. A dark soul threatens the Five Kingdoms, but I am powerless to stand against him, overwhelmed by phantom memories, broken and lost. Somehow I must live.(Speculative Fiction/Fantasy from Splashdown Books).

Highland Hearts by Eva Maria Hamilton — In Scotland 1748, the Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Journey’s Edge by Dora Hiers — When your daughter is kidnapped, can you trust her safety to the one man you swore to never trust again? (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing).

Promised to Another by Laura V. Hilton — She’s promised to one, but in love with another. He has secrets that could destroy the relationship before it begins. (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House).

And You Call Yourself a Christian by E.N. Joy — What’s a single Christian woman to do when she finds herself being charged for the death of three people? Her own sons? (Women’s Fiction from Urban Christian).

Gypsy’s Game by Delia Latham — She wants a temporary husband. He wants a forever love. Can these two hearts find a common path? (Romance from White Rose Publishing).

Hearts that Survive: A Novel of the Titanic by Yvonne Lehman — Lydia Beaumont and her new friend Caroline Chadwick plan Lydia’s wedding aboard the “grandest ship ever built.” Yet their lives take a tragic turn when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down. This epic tale of faith and perseverance follows their lives and the lives of their descendants as they struggle with all that was lost on that fateful night and what the future holds for those brave enough to face it. (Historical from AbingdonPress).

Ellie’s Haven by Sharlene Maclaren — Young woman on the run from her brutal stepfather jumps a train and heads several hundred miles north, winding up in Wabash, Indiana, where she meets and marries a widower with four children in hopes of finding refuge in her new identity. (Historical Romance from Whitaker House).

When Rain Falls by Tyora Moody — Widow Candace Johnson’s best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice. Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment. (Romantic Suspense from Urban Christian).

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato — A privateer captain from the War of 1812 is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and what he knows to be right. Only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all…love. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Shades of Truth by Sandra Orchard — Book 2 in the series Undercover Cops: Fighting for Justice puts their lives, and hearts, on the line. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Seattle Cinderella by Gail Sattler — The story of a modern day Cinderella, followed by her two reformed step-sisters, and Farrah her godmother. (Romance Novella from Barbour Publishing).

Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith — He promised her his heart. She promised him a son. But how long must they wait?(Biblical Fiction from Revell).

Like Sweet Potato Pie (Southern Fried Sushi) by Jennifer Rogers Spinola — Former big city journalist Shiloh Jacobs is stuck in rural Virginia – and about to discover if Mr. Wrong could actually be Mr. Right. (Contemporary Fiction from Barbour Publishing).

Rodeo Hero by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — Kendra Maddox is a new Christian trying to live her new beliefs. Stetson Wright is a youth director/rodeo clown who believes true love waits. Can they overcome her promiscuous past and claim a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents).