Top 5 romantic movies...and a FREEBIE for YOU!

Ah, Valentine's Day...

Love in the air... chocolate on display in every grocery store...romantic movies rented out by the thousands... romance novels lining bookstore shelves.

Well, you'll have to find your own love and buy your own chocolate (sorry!) but I have put together a list of my favorite 5 classic romantic movies, which you can check out below. 

AND I have a wonderful romance book for you. The best part? It's FREE!

Last week, I shared that my short story, Blind Date, was selected as one of 6 short romances to be published in the Heart Bouquets anthology by Write Integrity Press. Today through Friday (February 13-15), HEART BOUQUETS will be offered FREE on Kindle. Is that cool, or what? Be sure to snag your copy while it's FREE! 

Did I mention that it's FREE?

Click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon page to grab your FREE copy!

 

Sharing FREE stuff is one of my favorite things to do. Especially books! Especially books that contain my writing! And I certainly am in good company. The other authors included in this collection are fantabulous! Don't forget to tell your friends! Tweet it, Facebook it, blog about it. And most importantly, enjoy it!


As promised above, just for fun, here is my list of 5 favorite romance flicks. Let me know if you agree, and feel free to add your own picks in the comments.


1. GREASE

Released in 1978, this musical film is an all-time classic. I wore out my Grease soundrack album as a teenager (I so wanted to be Sandy and belted out those songs with my hairbrush mike a gazillion times). Since then, I still periodically watch this movie and it never gets old. So pop in that DVD, grab your hair brush, and relive Danny and Sandy’s feel-good love story one more time.

2. DIRTY DANCING

Patrick Swayze. Tank top. Need I say more? Swoon….

Of course, there’s a great love story in there somewhere, too. You just have to take your eyes off Paddy long enough to find it.

3. LOVE STORY

Grab the tissues. You’ll need them for this tear-jerking story of how love triumphs over economic-class differences. The award-winning Love Story is sentimental, tragic, and oh-so-good.

4. TITANIC

Keep those tissues handy. Here’s another one that will tug at the tear-ducts. No matter how many times I watch this timeless and moving film, it never loses it’s magic. It’s got it all – suspense, excitement, tragedy, humor, sensuality and, of course, romance. Hint for you ladies: the action in this film will appeal to guys. If he only commits to watching one romantic movie with you, this one is definitely it!

5. AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

There’s something about a military romance that’s, I don’t know, sexy and intriquing. An Officer and a Gentleman is one of those films that sticks with you, long after the credits roll. It’s been quoted by movie critics as, “the best movie about love I’ve seen in a long time.” The ending is fantastic – a guaranteed spine chiller (in a good way!) Watch Richard Gere in this break-out role that prompted him to win  the title of, “Sexiest man alive.”


So this gives you a start at the video store. Don’t see your favorite Oldy-but-Goody on my Top 5 List? Post yours in the comments. I’d love to hear them!

Hey...check out these fun Valentine's posts by my fellow HEART BOUQUETS authors, to be posted over the next couple of days:

TOP 5 ROMANTIC COUPLES

TOP 5 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS

TOP 5 ROMANTIC GIFTS FOR COLLEGE SWEETHEARTS

TOP 5 ROMANTIC SONGS FOR MARRIED COUPLES

5 MORE ROMANTIC MOVIES

BONUS: from my Princess Mentality Blog:
 10 FAVORITE LOVE SONGS FROM PRINCESS MOVIE

Don't forget to snatch your FREE copy of HEART BOUQUETS!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Hawaii and pineapples and mysteries...Oh, my!

Cheryl-Linn Martin and I are represented by the same agent (Hi, Terry!) and I had the pleasure of meeting her in St. Louis last year at the ACFW conference. I couldn't be happier to share her debut release with you! PINEAPPLES IN PERIL is  the first book in the Hawaiian Detective Club series for middle-grade readers. Check out the interview below, followed by the book trailer for this fun mystery series. Christmas will be here before you know it....what a great stocking stuffer!

First, congratulations on your debut novel! What inspired you to write this series? I was first inspired to write as a child, reading Nancy Drew. I knew at that young age that I would one day write a mystery! I also fell in love with Hawaii when I lived there while attending The University of Hawaii. I combined that with my interest in writing for ages 8-12 years and The Hawaiian Island Detective Club was born!

So I'm slightly jealous (said by someone who's always dreamed of vacationing in Hawaii). You must have had some interesting experiences there. Yes, I did! I learned to surf, got scared by a pipefish while snorkeling (thought it was an eel!), nearly lost my suit while body surfing, ate every kind of island food I could (including poi), took hula classes, and performed at my dorm’s luau. I loved every moment of island life!

What is Pineapples in Peril about? Leilani Akamai and her two best friends, Maile and Sam decide to investigate the vandalism taking place in the pineapple fields near their homes. They’ve been The Hawaiian Island Detective Club for years, solving pretend mysteries. This is their chance to solve a real one. Unless, of course, Kimo, Leilani’s annoying ten-year-old brother ruins everything. And then there’s Maile’s 16-year-old brother who’s the love of Leilani’s life.

Ahh . . . the angst of adolescence!

Do your characters ever get into messes? Oh my, do they! When they’re planning stakeouts and following people, Leilani and her friends have found themselves in some weird and sometimes scary situations.

Which character is most like you, and why? Probably Leilani. She is determined, yet in many ways has issues with her confidence. She also finds herself in trouble a lot, even though it always seems to be her brother’s fault. Yup, I have a younger brother!

When are Books Two and Three of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club coming out and what are their titles? Menehunes Missing has a tentative release date of February 5, 2013. Ukuleles Undercover will probably be out in the summer or early fall of 2013.

A question I've always had for mystery writers (which I also hope to write one day): Do you know at the beginning of the mystery who will be the culprit? Not usually. I’m not a “plotter” but I do need to know what the mystery is and also something about where I’m going. The in-between can take many unusual turns before the real culprit is revealed.

How can your readers connect with you? My website address is www.cheryllinnmartin.com I also have a blog all about Hawaii at www.lifeinflip-flops.blogspot.com.You can also connect with me on my facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorcheryllinnmartin

Twitter at http://twitter.com/clinnmartin

If “tweeters” would like to comment on The Hawaiian Island Detective Club, they can add the hashtag: #HIDC

Cheryl grew up in Southern Oregon and earned a BA with honors in Recreation and Park Management from the University of Oregon. She went on to work for a number of years as a Recreation Coordinator and Community Center Director in Portland, Oregon.

After years of working with and teaching kids, she is now writing for Middle Grades. Her childhood love of Nancy Drew sparked a never-ending appreciation for mysteries, and her sun-worshipping spirit led her to the Hawaiian Islands for a year while she attended The University of Hawaii.

Her series, The Hawaiian Island Detective Club, springs from her experiences in mystery and the exotic land of pineapples, palms, sand, and surf. The first book in the series, Pineapples in Peril, won the Novel Journey YA/MG contest in April 2010 and placed third in The Kiss of Death, Daphne Du Maurier Mainstream Mystery Competition in July 2010.

BUY YOUR COPY of Pineapples in Peril

The Book Stops Here: Perfectly Ridiculous by Kristin Billerbeck

Call me fun-loving, young-at-heart or just plain immature, but I love to read YA. When I was asked to review Kristin Billerbeck's latest novel, Perfectly Ridiculous, I jumped at the chance. I read the first two books in this series (Perfectly Dateless and Perfectly Invisible) and loved them both. So I had high hopes for this one.

About the book:

Daisy Crispin is at a crossroads. In one direction lies the promised land—life at college, away from her embarrassing and overprotective parents. In the other direction is reality—her strapped bank account, an ailing father, and family priorities. Daisy knows the “perfect” daughter wouldn’t have to think twice. But maybe Daisy was never really perfect on any level, because she does not want her life to look the way her parents think it should. She won’t let that stop her, though. Now that she has been given an exciting free trip to Argentina before going to college, she’s thrilled—until her parents decide to go along with her.

My thoughts:

I adored the first two books in the Daisy Crispin series, but Perfectly Ridiculous stood out above the others. It included the usual quick wit found in all of Kristin's books, but this one made me chuckle a little more often. The storyline was fresh and fun, and offered a couple of twists I didn't see coming, which is always a plus. But I think the main reason I enjoyed it even more than the first two is because of the growth Daisy experiences. Despite Daisy's perfectly ridiculous drama (a perfectly perfect title for this book, by the way), she manages to grow up. Of course, this may be due to the fact that she's now out of high school. 

I will be submitting a full review of Perfectly Ridiculous to FaithfulReader.com next month. As soon as it's posted, I will share the link with you. But for now, I'll just say that if you are a fan of light, fun, chick-lit type reads, or if you have a teenager who is, I highly recommend this book. In the meantime, check out my reviews of the first two Daisy Crispin books:

Perfectly Dateless

Perfectly Invisible

*Perfectly Ridiculous available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

**Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book to review. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own.**

Three Book Reviews and a Giveaway, Too!

Looking for some good Christian fiction? I have some suggestions for you. Each of the three books I reviewed this month for FaithfulReader.com were excellent in their own right. Take a moment to read my full reviews (links provided after the blurbs). 


There is something for everyone. If you are a romance and/or suspense fan, check out WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS by Lynette Eason.THE BAKER'S WIFE by Erin Healy is contemporary fiction with mystery and suspense. And ADDISON BLAKELY: CONFESSIONS OF A PK is a young adult novel, but is a great read for anyone who is young at heart and remembers their high school days (I completely relate and I'm over 40!)


GIVEAWAY:  I somehow ended up with an extra copy of THE BAKER'S WIFE and would love to pass it along to you! Simply leave a comment on this blog post and I will put your name in the hat for this giveaway. The winner will be announced next Friday, March 2nd.



Before Audrey was the baker's wife, she was the pastor's wife. Then a scandalous lie cost her husband a pastoral career. Now the two work side-by-side running a bakery, serving coffee, and baking fresh bread. But the hurt still pulls at Audrey.

Driving early one morning to the bakery, Audrey's car strikes something-or someone-at a fog-shrouded intersection. She finds a motor scooter belonging to alocal teacher. Blood is everywhere, but there's no trace of a body.

Both the scooter and the blood belong to detective Jack Mansfield's wife, and he's certain that Audrey is behind Julie's disappearance.

But the case dead-ends and the detective spirals into madness. When he takes her family and some patrons hostage at the bakery, Audrey is left with a soul-damaged ex-con and a cynical teen to solve the mystery. And she'll never manage that unless she taps into something she would rather leave behind-her excruciating ability to feel other's pain.

READ MY FULL REVIEW

*Don't forget to comment on this post for your chance to win this book!

As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series. 

READ MY FULL REVIEW

Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tirelessly played the role of PK—preacher’s kid—her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. She isn’t so sure she wants to be the good girl anymore. 


READ MY FULL REVIEW

**Contest disclaimer: Void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants.**

The Book Stops Here: When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

My thoughts:

I read and loved Lynette Eason's Women of Justice series, so when I was offered the chance to review the first book in her new Deadly Reunions series, I jumped at the chance. And I was not disappointed.

When the Smoke Clears is perhaps the most action-packed romantic suspense I've read in a long time. There is non-stop action, and twists and turns abound. But even in the midst of dodging bullets and escaping car bombs, there is a little time for romance. As with any good romance, conflict is inevitable. And in this story, it is compounded by the fact that two brothers compete for Alexia's affections. Of course, Alexia only has eyes for one of them, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.

There is a lot going on in the storyline, some of which didn't make complete sense to me. However, because the book ends with many loopholes, I suspect that many of the questions I have will be answered in book #2.

Eason is a superb storyteller and I eagerly await the next edition in this series.

I have submitted a full review of When the Smoke Clears to FaithfulReader.com. As soon as it's posted, I will share the link with you. But for now, I'll just say that if you are a fan of romantic suspense, I highly recommend this book.


*Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

*Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book to review. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own.

Thyme for a Giveaway!

April Love has always dreamed of being a chef. But she didn't expect a former fiancé or murder to be part of the recipe for her new job. When April Love signs on to be an in-house chef at an old lakeshore mansion in Canoga Lake, Wisconsin, she comes face to face with her long-lost love, the drop-dead gorgeous Marc Thorne. It doesn't take long for their old magnetism to recharge, but how can she trust the guy who left her nearly at the altar eight years earlier? Her gut tells her something happened to Marc in between-something he's reluctant to reveal. When April's boss is murdered, Marc is accused of the crime. Unless April can find out who really killed Ramón Galvez, her chances for love will end up at the county jail. But someone else is just as determined she not solve the mystery...and will go to any length to stop her.

I first met Pam Meyers at the 2009 ACFW conference in Denver. She told me she was represented by agent Terry Burns, and a few months later, so was I! Pam and I both had the thrill of receiving contracts from Oak Tara within about a month of each other. In fact, when Terry called me from a writer's conference to let me know I'd been offered a contract, Pam was there with him and got to share in my excitement. Her book came out on November 14, one day before mine. Pretty cool, huh?

I had the privilege of reading Thyme for Love and reviewing it this month for FaithfulReader.com. I love romantic suspense and cozy mysteries, and this one is a little of both. It's a light, fun read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I happen to have two copies of Pam's book and would love to give one to you!

Simply leave a comment on this blog post and you'll be entered to win. Easy-peasy! Be sure to leave your email address so I can get in touch with you if you're the winner. Winner will be announced next Friday, January 27.

If you'd like to read my full review of Thyme for Love, you can do that HERE.

* **Contest disclaimer: Void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants.**

______________________________________________________________

Pamela Meyers, writes romance and women's fiction from her home in Arlington Heights Illinois. She served as secretary on the Operating Board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) for five years. Is currently ACFW's New Release Coordinator, and is president of her local ACFW Chapter.
 

Thyme for Love is her debut novel and is the first of three books in the On the Road to Love series. Pam has published articles in several periodicals and authored a piece that was featured in the compilation book, His Forever.

In addition to Thyme for Love, she has completed several novels in both the romance genre and women's fiction. More can be read about her writing at her website at www.pammeyerswrites.com and on her blog at www.pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com.

Meet Christmas Belles of Georgia Author, Rose McCauley

If you're looking for some good Christmas fiction and are a fan of novellas, I have a wonderful recommendation for you! Recently released is this holiday anthology collection from Barbour Publishing. Christmas Belles of Georgia. Here's the synopsis:

They were sisters once—identical quadruplets—given up for adoption at birth. Now each receives a letter advising her to claim her inheritance and the family she never knew. . .at Christmas. Holly feels betrayed when she learns she’s adopted, while Carol prays for a loving family. Starr thinks it’s all a hoax, and Noelle needs a break from a hopeless situation. There are more surprises in store as each young woman gets just the gift she wants—and needs. You’ll be warmed by love in these interwoven tales of the ultimate Christmas gift. . . 

Sounds awesome, doesn't it? 

I had the opportunity to chat with Rose McCauley, whose novella, Nick's Christmas Carol, is included in this book. Rose is a debut author and I'm thrilled to introduce her to you today!

LYNDA: Welcome, Rose! Start by telling us how many years have you been writing.

ROSE MCCAULEY: I started writing with publication in mind about 10 years ago.

LYNDA: What was the first thing you ever had published?

ROSE: I was editor of my HS newspaper, the Portland Broadcaster, does that count?


LYNDA: Of course it counts!

ROSE: Well, my first paid writing piece was 3 selections in 101 Ways to Romance your Marriage compiled by Debra White. (Harvest House)

LYNDA: Describe what the road to publication was like for you.

ROSE: Lots of curves and stop lights and speeding up and slowing down! Now finally reaching my destination only to find it is just a stop along the way and I have much more travelling to do on this publication road!

LYNDA: Do you have an agent? How did you acquire him/her?

ROSE: I had an agent for awhile but not at present. Andrea Boeshaar called me up and said God had placed me on her heart but stopped agenting the next year.

LYNDA: How long was it from the time you first started submitting to editors and/or agents to the time you landed a publishing contract?

ROSE: 8 years!

LYNDA: Describe the moment when you got "The Call."

ROSE: It wasn't the call so much as an announcement at the ACFW conference in Indianapolis in Sept. 2010 in front of 600 people! You can read about it on my blogpost in Sept. 2010.

LYNDA: Is being published different than you thought it would be? How?

ROSE: The main difference is all the time it is taking me to market/publicize my book. Since it is a Christmas story, I feel like I need to do all I can to get the word out before Dec. 24! Then I'll take a breather and start in on the next leg of my journey.

LYNDA: What are two pieces of advice you would give to authors desperately seeking publication?

ROSE: 2 P-words: Pray for God's guidance and Persevere!

LYNDA: Your novella included in Christmas Belles of Georgia is titled, Nick's Christmas Carol. What is the story about?

ROSE: Mine is the second girl mentioned above--Carol.

LYNDA: Was it difficult to write an anthology, where multiple stories by multiple authors are intertwined? What was the process like? How did you correlate your facts?

ROSE: It was a great experience because the three authors I worked with--Jeanie Smith Cash, Jeri Odell and Deb Ullrick--were all so professional and great to work with. We did most of our chats by email with a few phone calls. Then we read each others stories and tried to catch any discrepancies.

LYNDA: Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol?

ROSE: I love them ALL, but Joy to the World is a fave! What a joy it is to know that Christ has come and will come again!

LYNDA: What about a favorite holiday tradition?

ROSE: We just experienced this again for the umpteenth time this past weekend. When our own kids were younger we would decorate the tree, then let the kids sleep underneath the lit tree one night during December. Now we let the grandkids do it. they are 10, 11, and 12, and we have a new grandbaby due in March so hope to add her to the tradition in a couple years!

LYNDA: What are you working on now? Any other projects in the works?

ROSE: I have an 87,000 word novel finished that I would love to see pubbed and have several sequels in mind for that. Plus another WF novel plotted out but not written down yet. and I have 4 more proposals with Barbour similar to Christmas Belles of Georgia, that I hope will be contracted.

LYNDA: Thanks for the opportunity to get to know you better, Rose. Much success to you with your Christmas anthology and all of the other projects you have in the works.
______________________________________________________

Rose has been writing for over ten years and has been published in several non-fiction anthologies and devotionals. She is happy for this to be her first fiction anthology because Christmas books are her favorites. A retired schoolteacher who has been happily married to her college sweetheart for 43 years, she is also mother to three grown children and their spouses and grandmother to three lovely, lively kids with one more on the way! You can reach her through her website www.rosemccauley.com or blogsite at www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com

PURCHASE CHRISTMAS BELLES OF GEORGIA at your local Christian bookstore or at AMAZON.COM

Holiday Spotlight on: The Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz

Here's a book you'll want to check out for the holidays. I've heard wonderful things about it and plan on downloading a copy to my Kindle today. And...bonus! It's only .99 cents during the whole month of December! Wow!

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

ORDER ON AMAZON.COM (for 99 cents!)

Linda says: I’m a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.

Visit Linda online at: http://www.lindaglaz.blogspot.com

Mind over Madi UNLEASHED!

Okay, so I know the official term is "Book RELEASE," but Madi has been pulling on the leash for so long, anxious to get her story out there, that I feel "Book UNLEASH" is more appropriate. Now Madi is free to share her story with the world. And as her author, I couldn't be more thrilled for this moment!

What a journey it's been so far. And I look forward to everything God has in store for me as a novelist.

So today is the day. Mind over Madi is now available for purchase. Check out the photo above that my fabulous friend, Diane Loew sent me this morning. She works at our church's bookstore, The Word Shop, where my book launch will be held on Saturday. My very first book display! Is that cool, or what? She also took a picture of my book on the "New Release" shelf, posted below.

If you'd like to purchase my book, or find out more about it, you can click this link: Mind Over Madi or the Amazon link in the left sidebar. Copies are also available through BARNESandNOBLE.COM. 

You can also visit your local bookstore and they should be able to order a copy for you if they don't have it in stock, as it is set up in the database with Ingram, the largest wholesale book distributor in the world.

OK...NOW...on to the winner of the giveaway for a signed copy of my book. Thanks to all of you  for your comments, congrats, and encouragement. All names were entered into an online name picker and one name was selected at random.

And the winner is...

LINDA GLAZ!

Yay, Linda! Happy reading to you!

Don't forget, next Friday I'll be doing my annual Faithful Followers giveaway for my...well, my faithful followers! All 335 of you! You won't want to miss it.

In the meantime, today is a great day to try out a new fiction author, don't you think? I've heard that a wonderful new book just hit the market.

 

 

3 more book reviews for FaithfulReader.com

FaithfulReader.com has just posted a slew of new book reviews for October. Three of them are reviews written by me. All three come highly recommended, so I want to share them here with you.

 Athena Pappas is the head writer on Stars Collide, one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem writing the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?

With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as Athena and Stephen discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.

MY REVIEW



In a matter of seconds her entire world shifted...

An early morning call shatters Caryn Becker's world. Unable to cope with her brother’s news that he is gay, Caryn rejects him and disappears into her own turbulent life as a young widow and single mom. But when David is attacked and nearly killed, Caryn is forced to make hard choices about family, faith, and her own future; choices that take her to the very edge of grace.


MY REVIEW

The average person has 70,000 thoughts every day, and many of those thoughts trigger a corresponding emotion. No wonder so many of us often feel like we're controlled by our emotions. Our lives would be much improved is we controlled them.

In LIVING BEYOND YOUR FEELINGS, Joyce Meyer examines the gamut of feelings that human beings experience. She discusses the way that the brain processes and stores memories and thoughts, and then - emotion by emotion - she explains how we can manage our reactions to those emotions. By doing that, she gives the reader a toolbox for managing the way we react to the onslaught of feelings that can wreak havoc on our lives.

In this book, Meyer blends the wisdom of the Bible with the latest psychological research and discusses: the 4 personality types and their influence on one's outlook, the impact of stress on physical and emotional health, the power of memories, the influence of words on emotions, anger & resentment, sadness, loss & grief, fear, guilt & regret, the power of replacing reactions with pro-actions, and the benefits of happiness.

MY REVIEW

HAPPY READING!

Another new release from Tween author Nicole O'Dell

I met Nicole O'Dell online a couple of years ago through an ACFW critique group. She had just gotten her first contract from Barbour Publishing for her Scenarios for Girls series. Now, a mere two years later, Nicole has a dozen books published, with several more coming out in the next year!

I finally had the pleasure of meeting Nicole in person at the ACFW conference last month and she's truly a gem.

Speaking of gems, THE WISHING PEARL, Nicole's latest release -book #1 in the Diamond Estates series, has just been released. If you're looking for excellent reading material for your teenaged daughter, or know anyone who is, check out this series. You'll be glad you did.

Here's a blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield dreams of a land far, far away. . .

A land far away from her stepfather’s abuse and torment.

A land far away from her mother’s blind eye.

A land far away from the haunting memories of her past.

But then reality sets in, and Olivia knows she must make the best of her dire situation—at least until her high-school graduation. But when poor choices lead Olivia to the brink of a complete breakdown and she finds herself dealing with the unexpected death of her best friend, she comes to a crossroads.

Will Olivia find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for? Or will the demons from her past prove too much to bear?

Series Description:

Diamond Estates. Three girls are on a journey to find hope and healing. Each coming to Diamond Estates seeking solace… Each with her own unique set of struggles… And each capturing hearts and challenging the faith of teen girls.

View the book trailer for a closer glimpse of what this series is all about:

Nicole's books are on the shelves of various bookstores around the country and may be available where you live. Or, here are a few places online where you can purchase:

Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Christian Book Distributors

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More about Nicole:

She writes. She talks. She reads. She speaks. Nicole O'Dell is a mom of six--including a set of toddler triplets! She is the author of a bunch of YA books, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series. Non-fiction for teens includes Girl Talk, 2/1/12, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular blog column by the same name. O'Dell's desire to bridge the gap between parents and teens is evident in her adult non-fiction like the upcoming Hot Buttons series, 5/1/12.

Visit Nicole's wesite, which features great resources for parents and teens!
 http://nicoleodell.com/

Super September Fiction Releases

Check out this extensive list of titles releasing this month from ACFW members. You'll find some fabulous Fall reading and wonderful Christmas gift ideas! Click on the title for more information and reviews on www.fictionfinder.com.


A Biltmore Christmas by Diane Ashley and Rhonda Gibson -- Historical Romance. Explore the luxuries of America’s largest home through the eyes of the fictional Bradford sisters.

A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas by Erica Vetsch -- Romance. Hoping to leave the shadows of her shady yesteryears behind, Adeline Reid is focusing on her photography career. But when her ex-boyfriend’s compatriot in crime shows up in Dodge City her entire past is threatened by exposure.

A Harvest of Hearts by Laura V. Hilton -- Shanna Stoltzfus thought nothing could make her return home to her Amish family. She was wrong. But can anything make her give up her dreams and stay?

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman -- Historical Romance. Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?

A Log Cabin Christmas Collection by Margaret Brownley, Wanda Brunstetter, Jane Kirkpatrick, Kelly Eileen Hake, Liz Johnson, Liz Tolsma, Michelle Ule, Debra Ullrick, and Erica Vetsch-- General Fiction Historical. In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that last.

A Marriage for Meghan by Mary Ellis  -- Romance. An engaging story of one girl’s quest for independence and true love as social prejudice tests a community’s faith in a simpler world.

A Quaker Christmas by Laura Lee Bliss, Rachael Phillips Ramona Cecil, and Claire Sanders -- Romance. Christmas is a simple matter among the Quakers of the historic Ohio River Valley, but can it be a a special time to welcome love into four households?

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer -- Historical Romance. Will Clay Selby be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart to spend his life with a quiet, independent Indian woman who is not a part of the tribe?

Belonging (Where the Heart Lives Series) by Robin Lee Hatcher  -- Historical Romance. Can two bitter pasts make one sweet future?.

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis-- Historical General Fiction. A girl has become a woman while in captivity, and a stagecoach driver longs to take her to the home she barely remembers.

Christmas at Barncastle Inn by Lynette Sowell, Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, and Janelle Mowery -- Romance from Barbour; Each Christmas the Barncastle family transforms its sprawling Victorian bed and breakfast into a fantasy world through time. Will its guests also discover that forgiveness is timeless?

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon-- Thriller/Suspense. A woman who protects children. An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective. A stalker with deadly intent.

Deep Cover by Sandra Orchard-- Romance. Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives--and hearts--on the line.

Dry As Rain by Gina Holmes-- General Fiction. Undercover Cops: Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart. A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

Falling to Pieces; A Quilt Shop Murder by Vanetta Chapman-- A Cozy Mystery. Not your usual Amish buggy ride!

Finding Angel by Kat Heckenback-- Speculative Fiction. Angel doesn’t remember her magical heritage…but it remembers her.

From Ashes to Honor by Loree Lough -- General Fiction. If only he'd answered that last call from the World Trade Center....


From This Day Forward; American Tapestries by Margaret Daley-- Historical Romance. Following the War of 1812, an Englishwoman, stranded in South Carolina, pregnant and recently widowed, struggles to make a life for herself. Can a disenchanted American physician heal her wounded heart?

Hailee by Penny Zeller-- Historical Romance. Can this unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Hidden in the Everglades by Margaret Daley-- Thriller/Suspense. Michael Hunt needs Kyra Morgan's help to keep his sister safe. It will take everything they have to escape the Everglades alive.

Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Debby Mayne and Trish Perry -- Romance.. Two women receive marriage proposals in the same house— 85 years apart. Love finds a home on Christmas morning in two heartwarming holiday stories.

Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell-- Romance. While war rages in Europe, Rebekah Hendricks dreams of life far beyond the family farm in Oklahoma. And when a telegram arrives in October of 1918, she believes God has provided her way of escape.

Naomi’s Gift-An Amish Christmas Story by Amy Clipston-- Romance. Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County.

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie-- Historical Fiction. Forced to flee the only home she's ever known, Lady Kendra Townsend risks everything for a chance at finding true love in the wilds of a new America.

Remembering Christmas: A Novel by Dan Walsh-- General Fiction. Can one Christmas change a person's life forever?

Shadowed in Silk by Christine Lindsay-- Historical Romance. Neglected by family, Abby travels to India after WWI with her small son, only to be abandoned by her husband, a cruel stranger, and to fall in love with a man who can never return her love without offending God.

Surrender the Dawn by Mary Lu Tyndall-- Historical Romance. You’ll be swept away in this seafaring romance between a plucky damsel-in-distress and a nefarious rake who’s selling out his country amid the War of 1812.

The Aristocrat’s Lady by Mary Moore -- Historical. She was resigned to a life without love-until she met him...

The Christmas Belles of Georgia by Debra Ullrick, Jeanie Smith Cash, Rose Allen McCauley, and Jeri Odell -- Romance. They were sisters once—identical quadruplets—given up for adoption at birth. Now each receives a letter advising her to claim her inheritance and the family she never knew. . .at Christmas.

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund-- Historical Romance. Priscilla White knew God wanted her to be a missionary, not a wife. But the only way she can serve is to be married. Married in name only, her new journey will test her spirit. . . and the new longings of her heart.

The Healing; Kentucky Brothers Series by Wanda Brunstetter-- Romance. Can Esther Beiler win Samuel Fisher’s heart, or has she already lost it to an English woman? How will God untangle star-crossed lovers when jealousies and misconceptions threaten to tear them apart?

The Wounded Heart; An Amish Quilt Novel by Adina Senft-- General Fiction. When she's diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a young Amish mother must choose between obedience or following her heart.

To Have and To Hold; Bridal Veil Island Series by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller -- Historical Romance. Amid a time of growth and change for Bridal Veil, can Marshall and Audrey find a foundation on which to build a love to last forever?

Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer-- General Fiction. While war rages in Europe, Rebekah Hendricks dreams of life far beyond the family farm in Oklahoma. And when a telegram arrives in October of 1918, she believes God has provided her way of escape.

Recommended Read: Her Safari by Lisa Mikitarian

I am an avid Christian fiction lover (I'd better be since I write it, right?). Full length novels are awesome and that will never go out of style. On the other hand, short stories don't seem to be in high demand. Finding markets that actually accept short stories is next to impossible. And I don't quite understand the reason why. Short stories offer a ton. They're perfect for those times when we're waiting in the car pool line. Or the grocery line. Or when we're...well...doing our business in the bathroom. They offer wonderful food for thought. Something to engage our minds, touch our souls, and inspire our spirits in fifteen minutes or less.

I love short stories. I've written a bunch of them. Yes, I've even sold a few.

So has my friend, Lisa Mikitarian. In fact, she sold an entire collection of short stories to DemmeHouse, Inc., a division of Vision Quest publishers. Is that cool or what???

I am thrilled to tell you about Lisa's book, HER SAFARI: Snapshots along the way, which I absolutely adored. If you're a fan of short stories, you will love this book.

Her Safari releases in August, but you can preorder your copy today at the link above.

For now, here's a video featuring Lisa, giving us a glimpse of her book and what it's all about. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate my dear friend on her first book publication and encourage all of you to check out Her Safari. You will be blessed.



Read an interview with Lisa on the FaithWriters blog.

Visit LISA'S WEBSITE

Great Mid-Summer Reading Material

Here's another round of new releases by ACFW members. All of these novels will be released in July. Click on the titles for a more detailed description on Fiction Finder.

Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate -- General Fiction. Recently widowed, aging and a retired space program engineer, eventually warms up to part-time caretaker Epie, an at-risk teen, as they search for his long forgotten roots when old, buried memories of a different home, a fire, red-headed children, and a black housekeeper surface.

Dangerous Reunion by Sandra Robbins -- Thriller/Suspense. A woman deputy sheriff on a small barrier island off the coast of North Carolina struggles to stop a crazed killer's vendetta while battling her renewed attraction to the man who broke her heart years ago.

Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania  by Annalisa Daughety -- Romance. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County. There each woman finds friendship, a fresh start, and a second chance at love.

Odd Little Miracles by Fred Warren -- Fantasy. Follow the twists and turns of twenty-two bizarre tales, where odd is commonplace, little things make all the difference, and miracles are everywhere, if you know where to look...

Pursued by Lillian Duncan -- Thriller/Suspense. Reggie Meyers has spent her life pursing the American Dream, but now she’s the one being pursued— by an unknown killer. Putting her trust in Dylan Monroe, a man she barely knows, will either be the best decision she ever made or the last.

Reinventing Leona by Lynne Gentry -- General Fiction. Residing in a parsonage is not for sissies, but living anywhere else scares the pastor’s widow spitless.

The Blessed by Ann Gabhart -- Amish Fiction. After being pushed into marriage to her preacher husband, Lacey Bishop follows her husband to a Shaker village. A community that believes marriage is a sin. And to make matters worse, she finds herself drawn to Isaac Kingston, a man who came to the Shakers after his young bride died. But of course any notion of love between them is only a forbidden dream. How will Lacey ever find true happiness?

The Nanny’s Homecoming by Linda Goodnight -- Romance. After her fiancé calls off their wedding, Brooke Clayton has nowhere to go but home.

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig -- Thriller/Suspense. Former Green Beret Captain Canyon Metcalfe is unnerved when Nightshade is sent to a South American jungle that holds an eerie similarity to a dark tragedy from his past.

The Book Stops Here: Double Take by Melody Carlson

It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.

MY THOUGHTS:

Remember the movie The Parent Trap? Loved that movie. Watching it as a girl, I remember wishing I had a twin somewhere so I could trade places. Not forever, just for a while. I've watched a few copycat movies over the years (It Takes Two with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen comes to mind) and have always been intrigued at the possibility of two look-alike people (not necessarily twins) trading identities. There is something exciting about the thought of it. Could be just the author in me.

Along comes Double Take, a young adult novel by Melody Carlson. Only this story comes with a twist. Madison VanBuren, a rich city girl, and Anna Fisher, a simple Amish girl, do the switching, each having her own personal reasons for wanting to experience another way of life.

I can definitely see this book as a movie. With the rage of Amish books right now, it would be the perfect time to do it. I'm not offering my a lengthy review here. A full review will be posted on www.faithfulreader.com in mid-July, which I'll be sure to remind you of. But I will say Double Take was a light and fun read and held my interest just as much as The Parent Trap did all those years ago. By book's end, both Madison and Anna have grown up and take away a nice lesson from their experience.

As always, Melody Carlson has written a poignant book for teens. Nothing heavy, just a nice light read with a good message.

If you love switching-places stories, you won't be disappointed with Double Take.

Looking forward to sharing my full review in a few weeks!



*Double Take is available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*


Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book to review. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own.
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Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, THE CHRISTMAS BUS. She also writes many teen books, including JUST ANOTHER GIRL, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.