The Merchant's Daughter, Reviewed

MY REVIEW
The Merchant's Daughter caught my attention from page one which, for me, is a rarity these days. My first impression was that I could tell the author had matured in her writing style--not that I felt the first was "immature." But growth is ALWAYS a good thing. These characters grew on me faster and stuck harder than those of The Healer's Apprentice and the faith message was woven almost imperceptibly.
Along the way, I loved discovering the similarities between this story and the traditional "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale, specifically the Disney version, which is my fave. The parallels didn't jump out at me and scream "knock-off!" I actually had to look for them and once I found them, I was always satisfied with how the author handled each one. For example, Belle's love of books was translated into Annabel's love of the Holy Writ. And I just found another! Belle/Annabel. How did I miss that before?
This is a wonderful story for young adults and adults alike. Clean, beautiful, romance. Well done, Melanie!


Special thanks to Zondervan for the free review copy.


BUY THE BOOK


ABOUT THE BOOK:


An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

Warring Spirits Local Signing

Last Saturday, Gottwals Books hosted my second local book-signing (Thank you, Gottwals!!). I thought last year was successful, but it's not about the numbers, it's about celebration and fully enjoying the occasion. And this time around, it was a blast!


A year's worth of experience and confidence goes a long way toward setting a person at ease. Being relaxed freed me up to enjoy the friends who turned out and gave me the courage to approach complete strangers to talk about my books.

Special thanks to Sarah for making the treats, 

giving me the idea to gift wrap the books, 

and for being my second brain, as she most usually is.

This sweet family (stationed with us in England, now in GA) 

drove two hours to get a signed book.

They are officially my biggest stalkers. Grin. Love you guys!

Many thanks to my church family who is always 

quick to love and support me! 

I thank God He place me in your care.

COTT Blog Alliance, Meet Our Partners--Jessica Keller, Carol Moncado, Marianne Evans

*by Gail Pallotta


Thank you to our blog alliance partners



Jessica Keller works from an office her husband set up for her in their Chicago home. Using a bright orange laptop she posts five days a week. She blogged big-time in college, garnering a huge following. She says, “It got to the point where people I didn’t know would walk up to me and start talking…about my life because they were addicted to my blog.” 
After graduation she ended that blog and went to work in the records department of law enforcement. She figured her blogging days were over, but she started writing novels. She thought about author blogs she loved and wanted to “create a place like that so…someday when a novel-length piece is published…” she’ll already have a blog.
Her blog reflects her love of baking, her communications and Biblical studies degree and her enthusiasm for books. She’ll read over one hundred this year. On Mondays she muses about life in general. Tasty Tuesdays give cooking advice and recipes. On Writing Wednesdays she shares her writing struggles and advice or hosts experts. Thick-of-it-Thursdays feature a spiritual message, and Fridays for Readers introduces new writers. At least once a month there’s a cookie give away. Yum.
During the past nine years she’s written articles, short stories and a novella and recently made the finals in three contests. When she isn’t writing she runs in 5K’s and mentors college-aged women. When asked for a random fact about herself she said, “I have two cats named for super heroes, Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent.”
Visit Jessica's blog here.

Carol Moncado blogs about life and writing from a big cushy chair in a basement in the Ozarks. She says the area “is slowly becoming my office/library.” She’s written on and off ever since she was a kid, seriously for the last two years. She blogs everyday attracting readers, other writers and friends who want to know a little more about her, her writing and the authors she likes. She says, “I try to have humor – and we all know laughter is the best medicine!I love to get comments.”
As for her writing, she’s currently blogging her way through NaNoWriMo. When she isn’t blogging or working on her own writing projects, she takes care of four children, reads and watches television. Her all time favorite show – NCIS.
When asked to share a random fact about herself she said, “When we moved into our first house, we moved on Friday the 13th to a house on Elm Street. We found and put an offer on our second [current] house on 06/06/06.”
Visit Carol’s blog here.

Marianne Evans started her blog, A Minute with Marianne, a little over two years ago. She says, “I loved the idea of chronicling my thoughts and expanding my writing platform…Call it ‘keeping up with the times.’” An added bonus. “It’s a blast…”
She posts almost once a week. A Minute with Marianne introduces readers to writers and books they may not otherwise hear about. Marianne says, “There are so many wonderful inspirational, Christian themed books out there. I love shining a light on them and getting the word out on new and exciting authors.” Her blog also covers writing inspirations, motivational tidbits, reviews and publishing news.
She keeps her blog casual with highlights on having fun, getting to know people and sharing a passion for great writing. When Marianne isn’t blogging, she writes.  She’s A Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence winner for Hearts Crossing. She was a 2011 finalist for Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year for Hearts Surrender. Marianne says she made the jump from secular romance to Christian Inspirational romance/fiction when “the call on her heart matched the ideas in her head.” Visit her blog here.

Warring Spirits' Launch and Drawing Results

It's been a beautiful week, made more beautiful by loving friends and family and even perfect strangers!


Thursday's Amazon launch of Warring Spirits was a complete success. By noon, it hit #1 in Inspirational Historical Fiction, and by the next morning, Wounded Spirits made #2! They're both still at the top, and if you run over there right now, you might see them before Tracie and Francine take over again. I do appreciate those two precious ladies sharing their thrones for the day!


You might be wondering about the drawings and WHO won them. I spent yesterday contacting the winners and notifying them of their wins. That's one of the funnest parts of these events! So without further ado, here they are...

Winners of Wounded Spirits--

Patricia B.

April B.

Angie A.

Melody S.

Emily R.

Winners of Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang--

Grace W.

Alicia R.

Natalie G.

Traci W.

Lisa D.

Winner of the 3 e-books--

Dana C.

Winner of the 8 signed paperbacks--

Sandra A.

Winner of the "name my character" drawing--

Virginia N.

Winners of the Creative Consultant--

Alisha R.

Emily R.

I'd intended to have only one Creative Consultant, but long story short, God had other plans! And I'm so glad He did. Alisha and Emily, you'll be a blast to work with. I can't wait to get started!

Congratulations to every winner!! And thanks to everyone who entered. 

All glory to God and oodles of thanks to each of you who shared the link, spread the word, and bought the books! I attribute every bit of success any of my books have to my readers--to YOU! 

In this tough writing industry, your support is what keeps me going!

THANK YOU!

Help Warring Spirits Become a Best-seller!

Today's the big, amazing day! The day I celebrate the release of my second novel. Will you celebrate with me?! There's a party going on over at my website, and you're all invited!


COME LEARN MORE!!


As a special thank you for coming to visit my site, I'm extending the invitation for you to enter six different drawings with a total of 15 different winners!!


On top of that, I'm giving away a personalized, signed book plate to everyone who buys Warring Spirits today. One for each book purchased!


Wounded Spirits, the first book in the series, garnered wonderful reviews, won the Grace Award, and on its launch day last year hit #1 in Christian fiction and #2016 in Books. That was an amazing accomplishment, and it happened only because of you, my dear, sweet fans. Thank you!!


Help Warring Spirits reach #1 too, and buy your book TODAY!


COME LEARN MORE!!

Judging a Book by its Cover

*by Michelle Massaro

Last week Clash of the Titles held their first ever Clash of the Covers. This fast-paced clash was different than their usual fare, because instead of judging the author's story, we judged how well their cover designs matched their theme or made us want to pick up the book. There were four books to vote on, from authors Cathy, Erica, Lacy, and Maggie. The books were Marrying Miss Marshal, Spring For Susannah, A Bride's Portrait, and Deeply Devoted.


It was a VERY CLOSE race and it saw enough voter participation to max out the scoreboards!


Some of the comments included:
Spring for Susannah - Susannah is aware of the man but she looks as though she could turn away, or turn towards him.
Marrying Miss Marshall seems to speak volumes about the heroine--just in her position.
The cover of A Brides Portrait, really sells the title by having the woman with a camera on it. Caught my attention.
I love cover C...looks like the "old west"!!!
Marrying Miss Marshal. Hmm, with that rifle laid across her lap, one wonders who's daring enough to approach her, much less marry her. Intriguing.
I loved A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City - it added so many components of the story into the cover besides just a profile :)
Love this (A) - it's intriguing. I'm not sure from the picture whether she's toting for justice, revenge, or protection. Makes me curious.

The Champion Book that was voted

BEST SETTING THAT CAPTURES THE MOOD OF THE TITLE:

Springtime For Susanna, by Catherine Richmond

This week, COTT is sporting a holiday/winter theme with host Gail Pallotta. We expect it to be another huge turn-out so please join us. We'll cozy up to the virtual fireplace, egg nog in hand, and browse for books. In this case, it's okay to judge the cover. =)

We’ll be taking a break December 26 – January 6

And then come right back on January 9 with a new clash that will – literally – take your breath away! If you're an author, don’t forget to check upcoming open clashes and submit

COTT Blog Alliance, Meet Our Partners--Christine Lindsay and Pam Thibodeaux

by Delia Latham

Christine and Pamela!

A huge welcome to blogger and author Christine Lindsay! Christine is another extraordinary member of the COTT Blog Alliance. On Wednesdays she posts the COTT weekly article, and on Fridays she posts either an editorial/devotional or a review on a book.
What's her blog like? Christine wants her blog to be somewhere a reader can find a true inspirational story to encourage their faith. For example, on her blog she has in book-length the entire story of her experience as a birthmother. From the moment she found out she was pregnant, to the relinquishment of her child, and to their reunion 20 years later.

Do not miss this testimony. Her birth-daughter, Sarah, modeled for the cover of Shadowed in Silk. Take a look at how it all came together—it's well worth the read.

I asked Christine who she is outside the realm of writing and publication and all that jazz.
"I am so ordinary, it's hilarious. I used to be an administrative assistant, going off to work in suits, high heels and makeup. Now that I'm following the labor of my heart (writing) I work in my home office and wear the closest thing I can get to pajamas—sweat pants and a sweat shirt.

"But there are times I have to go out and leave my beloved laptop behind along with my cat. Then I slap on some mascara, whip a comb through my hair, put on some decent slacks and head out the door with a cup of tea in my hands. I can drive with one hand and drink my tea with the other."
What "ordinary"? That's multi-tasking!
Why is she willing to give COTT space on her blog every other week?

I find the COTT alliance an energetic group of writers that inspire me. I love the fun and camaraderie with the clashes," she said. "And it gets the word out to readers of all the great Christian fiction that's available. They are a great group of people to be affiliated with. I consider it an honor."
The feeling is entirely mutual!

Christine's blog

Christine's website

Book trailer


Meet Pamela S. Thibodeaux:

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com   

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Bayou Writers Group: http://bayouwritersgroup.com   

A great big welcome to Blog Alliance Partner Pamela S. Thibodeau. We're so pleased to have her aboard.

I asked this author and blogger where she finds inspiration for her blog, Pamela S. Thibodeaux—Blog.

"I must admit that, personally, I'm pretty burned out on topics…but I love showcasing other authors on Saturday Spotlight and hosting their virtual book tours. This helps me fill in when I can think of nothing to talk about. LOL!"

Honesty…I love it! (Also really glad to know I'm not the only blogger with this kind of problem…)

I'm always interested in why our Blog Alliance members choose to be members. Here's Pam's reason:

"I believe in what COTT is doing and frankly, any website that helps promote Christian authors—especially those who are new, unknown, small press or independently published—is a place I try to support. Doing regular posts for COTT helps me do just that."

Pamela's newest release, The Visionary, is an absolutely wonderful book, one I can whole-heartedly recommend. Without being offensively graphic, it deals with some pretty heavy issues of child abuse and its aftermath.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

The biggest challenge I face is not having my work accepted by the “Christian” publishers. As one reviewer said, “Though undeniably Christian, it is never dogmatic or insular; offering faith rather than religion.” (From Elizabeth Burton's review of Tempered Dreams for Blue Iris Journal) My books deal with issues in a way that is unacceptable in the traditional CBA market. Now that is not saying that my books are better than those published through traditional CBA publishers, only different. As I’ve said many times, everything that gives God glory deserves to be praised!

So true. And all I can think to say in response is a very sincere, "Amen!"

Featured Book, Night of the Cossack

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure by Tom Blubaugh about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga.
Join Nathan on his exhilarating journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss the adventure and suspense in the riveting story, Night of the Cossack.


This book has an accompanying home school curriculum for those wishing to delve further into Russian culture and history.
Click here to learn more
Buy Night of the Cossack

Visiting Author, Elaine Marie Cooper

Today is a special day for the latest book in Elaine's Deer Run Saga, The Promise of Deer Run. Anyone who purchases this epic historical novel today will qualify to receive free gifts! 


SEE DETAILS HERE


I've had the privilege of reading this book. The Promise of Deer Run is cozy, endearing, and overflowing with color--exactly what I'd hoped to find from the sequel to The Road to Deer Run. I'm so glad I wasn't disappointed! The door to Daniel and Mary's house is still open, giving us a further glimpse into their life, which was a most pleasing discovery. But another door is opened, that belonging to Sarah and her new love, Nathaniel Stearns. Nathaniel is a veteran of the War for Independence and the only one in Deer Run who holds out hope that his father is still alive. A last minute trip to Boston should give the long-awaited answer, but in 1790 nothing is easy. Death hovers around every bend in the snow-covered road. Author Elaine Marie Cooper is a gifted writer specializing in vivid settings and culturally flavorful dialog. 


Her work is always a delight to read, and I was excited to learn recently that there is a book 3 in the works!


BUY THE BOOK then GET YOUR FREE GIFTS!