Author April W Gardner

Make Your Own Taco and Ranch Seasoning Mixes!!

2012-01-27T02:19:00.000-08:00

Why, oh why have I been buying these mixes for so many years?! That's the question of the week.

Annoyed (yet again) by the artificial ingredients and all the salt in the store-bought varieties, I googled "homemade taco seasoning." In seconds, I had a recipe on my screen and was surprised to find that I had all the ingredients in my pantry. Chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, paprika, pepper, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. I bet you have them too!

One minute later, I'd made my own seasoning mix and felt like such a big girl for doing it. Here is the recipe. And yes, it's delicious!

Same with the ranch dressing. I had every ingredient on hand and tossed them together in a jiffy. Next morning, I mixed a bit of it with a few tablespoons of sour cream and included it in my kids' lunches to go with their broccoli and carrot sticks. They loved it!

Here's the recipe:

2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp pepper
salt to taste

This can also be used to make a ranch salad dressing. Use mayo and milk (or buttermilk!) instead of sour cream. It tastes remarkably like the Hidden Valley packet.

I doubled the recipes for these and have them stored in zip-top bags, although at some point, I'll buy more permanent storage containers.

Just about everything we buy in the packaged dry goods aisles at the store, we can make on our own for the same price or cheaper--and definitely healthier!!

I made my own salsa last night, but used my own recipe. Best salsa I've ever tasted. Less chunk, more lime juice, just a hint of cilantro, and a dash of red pepper flakes--exactly how I've always wanted but never found. That's the beauty of creating your own recipe!

I pulled out my yogurt maker again too. (See my post on homemade yogurt) Over the months, I'd fallen prey to buying my own again--mostly because of the hassle of finding something to sweeten it up. That problem is solved when you accustom your palate to plain yogurt, which my daughter and I have. I've actually fallen in love with the tart flavor of plain yogurt. That being said, strawberries were on sale at Kroger this week, so I bought a pint, blended half with a teaspoon of sugar, and stored in the fridge.

I used it on our pancakes (with homemade whipped cream, the leftovers of which I froze in an old Cool Whip container!) and have been drizzling it over our yogurt. Can you say, "yum!"?

What ingredients have you been using that you can make on your own?

Jean Lafitte National Historical Preserve--National Park #15

2012-01-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

My fourth national park cancellation in November was the Jean Lafitte Park and Preserve.

As I sat down to write this, I realized I didn't take a single picture while visiting this park. Oops! Guess that tells you how impressed I was by it.

To be fair, we only visited the downtown New Orleans location (the French Quarter Visitor's Center), but the preservation encompasses much of South Louisiana. The sites include:

Acadian Cultural Center - Lafayette
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - Eunice
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Thibodaux
Barataria Preserve - Marrero
Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery - Chalmette
French Quarter Visitor Center - New Orleans

I would have loved to seen even one of these, but time didn't allow it. Instead, we walked through the visitor's center and watched a video to learn about Jean Lafitte (the early French pirate/privateer who explored Louisiana's waterways), the great Mississippi, and the wonders of Louisiana's wetlands.

The closest we got to our own explorations was a brief walk along the Mississippi waterfront. Better than nothing!

Death Clash, COTT Winner!

2012-01-25T02:13:00.000-08:00

**guest post by Michelle Massaro
For the last couple weeks, Clash of the Titles has been exploring two books delivering powerful death scenes. That's right, death scenes. The two books were The Vengeance Squad and The Redemption. We met authors Sidney Frost and MaryLu Tyndall and waited with bated breath to find out which title got the most votes. If you missed Friday's announcement, I won't keep you in suspense. Though the competition was stiff, the champion title is...

...

The Redemption, by MaryLu Tyndall

Congratulations!

About the book:

Lady Charlisse Bristol sets off on a voyage in search of a father she never knew, only to find herself shipwrecked on a deserted island. After weeks of combating the elements, her salvation comes in the form of a band of pirates and their fiercely handsome leader, Edmund Merrick. Will Charlisse free herself from the seductive lure of this pirate captain and find the father's love she so ardently craves?

While battling his attraction to this winsome lady and learning to walk a more godly path, Edmund offers to help Charlisse on her quest--until he discovers her father is none other than Edward the Terror, the cruelest pirate on the Caribbean. Can Edmund win this lady's love while shielding her from his lecherous crew and working to bring her father to justice?

Can the supernatural power of God rescue Charlisse and Edmund from the danger and treachery that await them as they ride upon the tumultuous waves of the Caribbean?

***

A few of the comments from readers:

I loved the Excerpt B.....I look forward to reading the book..it seemed more historical and the genre of books I enjoy reading. I am personally blessed by many of the Christian fiction authors and want to say thank you for all you for your readers. God bless you both!

Someone turning to Christ at the last moment is always a touching scene. It tugs at your heart to know that someone you would never see again, now you will. Very touching!

Keep writing as God leads you. You are bringing God's truth to readers; some who really need those truths in their lives.

About the author:

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award finalist, and author of more than ten novels is known for her swashbuckling historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes.

MaryLu dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling pirates during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing that dream, she worked as a miserable, landlocked software engineer for fifteen years. Only by the grace and providence of God, did she decide to answer His call to write a Christian Pirate series. Today, while writing her eleventh novel, she manages a home, husband, and six kids while battling three cats who have decided that her keyboard is the best place to sleep! She believes that without popcorn and chocolate, life would not be worth living, and her sole motivation is to bring others closer to God.

***

What fun! For a sneak peak at the book, check out the winning excerpt here. You might also enjoy her fascinating interview here.
Right now, COTT is in the middle of a brand new clash so be sure to head over there to cast your vote. You just might win a free book!

Happy reading!

Journey to Fulfillment Showcase

2012-01-24T04:01:00.000-08:00

Join Author, Theresa Franklin, in her tender and delightful memoir, Journey to Fulfillment, as she shares her life experiences that have molded her character into the woman God intended her to be. Theresa, honestly and brazenly discusses heartaches, tragedies and triumphs from childhood through adulthood. With an open and compassionate heart, the Author lays bare the adversity she has faced through life to include the loss of her first love to marrying and the challenges one can face in being a wife and a mother, and notably her struggles in teaching special needs children. Throughout all, there has been one constant in her life, the unconditional love of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gain the proper perspective in regards to your life and glean from Theresa Franklin’s many years of experience as a Director of Special Education to discover your destiny in life and find fulfillment by transforming the adversities and hardships of your life into stepping stones that will lead you to a life well lived through Christ. This book will help you find the fulfillment you are searching for as your reflect on your upbringing and causes one to re-evaluate what is really most important in life, regardless of circumstances. Her desire is to see others find their fulfillment in life through Christ and she writes, “May God show you the stepping stones in your life.”

Find encouragement, guidance and strength for your soul within the pages of Journey to Fulfillment, and turn life’s stumbling blocks into stepping-stones to transform your own journey into a life well lived and a completely fulfilled life in Christ

A GLIMPSE INTO THE BOOK:

Growing up we attended church irregularly. My mother was saved but not living for Christ.
My dad never attended church or willingly discussed his relationship with the Lord. When
I was about eight years old, my mother decided that it was time for me to hear the plan of
salvation. She made an appointment with the pastor and took my sister and me to his office.
He sat me on his lap and explained how and why we needed to be saved. I remember
looking around the office and thinking how uncomfortable I was sitting on the lap of a man I
barely knew. I wanted to get down as quickly
as possible, so when he finished explaining the steps I asked, “Do I come down tonight?”
He said, “If you feel like it.” Well I felt fine. I wasn’t sick, and I certainly didn’t want to hurt
his feelings or want him to think he had wasted his time on me. So I walked the aisle that
night. When I got to the front, the pastor said, “I’ve already talked to you so you stand over
here.” He spent the rest of the invitation talking to the congregation and trying to position me
where he thought I should stand. I don’t remember feeling any conviction about sin or being
led through the sinner’s prayer. However, according to the teachings of my church, I was
saved because I had made a “public profession of faith.”

At the age of twelve, I went to vacation bible school with a friend. I very much remember
being under conviction at that service. The pastor called me into his office and attempted
to lead me through the steps of salvation, but I quickly informed him that I was saved.
He said, “Well you just need to rededicate your life to Christ.” So I did. When I was about
fourteen years old, my mother rededicated her life to Christ, and we became actively
involved in church. I learned and followed all the “rules” of being a Christian. I was a “good
girl” and didn’t date boys with a “reputation.” Dates were usually with a group and ended
by 10:00 p.m. This was not a curfew my parents had decided; it was just the time I thought
I should be home. My friend’s parents liked me because I was responsible. One day my
friend Jinnie called to ask if I was attending an event. Her dad had said she could go only if
I went because he knew nothing would get out of hand if I was there. Another day I entered
math class to hear two boys arguing. “I do too.” “You do not” “I do too. Ask Theresa.” One
turned to me as I walked through the door and said, “Theresa, don’t I go to church?” I said
he did.
The other boy replied, “I don’t believe it.” The first boy said, “Hey, Theresa doesn’t lie.” The
second boy said, “You’re right, she doesn’t.” That ended the debate.

When I enrolled in a Baptist college, the rules of the school were insignificant to me. They
were things I would have done anyway. Curfew was at 11:00 p.m., and I came in at 10:00.
Smoking and drinking weren’t allowed, but I didn’t partake at any rate. Boys weren’t allowed
in the rooms, but I wouldn’t have permitted a boy in my room anyhow. My first roommate,
Patsy, taught me that not everyone followed the rules. At our first meeting, she informed me
that she intended to go out drinking that night, and I might need to take care of her when
she returned. After Patsy left for the evening, I met Patricia, who lived down the hall. She
did not have a roommate and didn’t like living by herself. I agreed to move in with her. I was
moved out of my first room before Patsy returned and needed my care.

PURCHASE THE BOOK
MEET THE AUTHOR

Stock Up on Cheap Pecans and Create Family Fun While You Do It!

2012-01-20T04:25:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, you scowl every time you need to buy pecans for a recipe.They're so dang expensive! I'm assuming we find them cheaper than average here in Middle Georgia. Still, over Christmas I paid $6.99 for a 2 cup bag of pecan pieces, so last week, when I saw the 2lb bags of in-shell pecans on sale for $4.86 at Kroger, I grabbed two of them.

To shell them, I called for all hands on deck. The fam and I spent a Friday evening on the living room floor watching a movie and competing over who could shell the most perfect pecan half. Since we don't own an actual nut-cracker, we whacked away at them with whatever we could find--hammer, meat tenderizer, another nut. It stiffened the competition and made for the funnest family night we've had in ages. Since I managed to shell one and keep the two halves intact, I believe I was the winner, although there are some who would disagree. ;-)

What did we get out of it? 2.5 pounds of shelled pecans, or 10 cups. It ended up being $1.00/cup, which I think is pretty good. They're in my freezer and will probably last me through the year.

So, if you see any bags of shelled pecans on sale (especially if you live in the Southeast!), snatch 'em up! And turn a dull evening into an event the kids will never forget.

New Orleans Jazz Historic Site--National Park #14

2012-01-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

Every Thursday on my blog this month is dedicated to a National Park I visited in November. I'm on a mission to see them all! The New Orleans Jazz Historic Site is cancellation #14 in my National Park Passport.

Only 380 parks to go!

As national parks go, the New Orleans Jazz park wasn't terribly memorable. Jazz is good music, but it's not like I'm a huge fan. The building was very small and didn't have much in the way of exhibits. Most of it was comprised of a stage and seating area, as if musicians come on occasion to play. Now THAT would have been memorable.

I appreciate Jazz, but this park was mostly just

another stamp in my passport.

Next week on my national parks trail--

Jean Lafitte National Historic Preserve

Special Give-away in Honor of Ruth's (a.k.a Lizzie) birthday!!

2012-01-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

Today, January 18th, is a very special day.

It's Ruth Davies-Miller's (a.k.a Lizzie Browning) birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH!!

Never has there been a dearer friend and sister in Christ,

and we're honored to call you both!

Ruth is the "real Lizzie," little heroine of Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang, my children's adventure novel. She celebrated four birthdays during the Nazi occupation of Guernsey Island.

In honor of her special day, I'm giving away a copy of Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang (Kindle or Nook) to anyone who leaves a comment on the bog dedicated to that series, www.channelislandsresistance.com, any time today. (Don't forget to include your email address!) Comments left on THIS blog do not count. Please visit Lizzie's site to enter the drawing. Thank you!

It's a new blog, so "Follows" and "shares" sincerely appreciated!!

I love you, Ruth, and thank you for sharing your life stories with us.

Many are sure to enjoy them for years to come!!

Introducing the Wall of Fame 2012 and The Red Fury

2012-01-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

The books that I love don't get the recognition they deserve. Because of that, I've created a Wall of Fame, which will probably be reset every year.

These are the five requirements a book must meet in order to make it to my wall:

1. Lure my thoughts at all hours of the day.
2. Make me loath the need to sleep.
3. Have depth. (No shallow romances will ever be hung here.) It must teach me something. Generally, that means history. But not always.
4. Make me mourn the loss of the characters after the last page is turned.
5. Stay alive in my mind for days after.

The first book to meet those requirements and make it to my Wall of Fame is....

The Red Fury by Naomi Musch was even better than The Green Veil, which is the first in the series and made it to my Top Ten list of 2011. The Red Fury is already on my Top Ten of 2012! Naomi Musch is a master at planting nagging questions in the reader's mind--questions that must be answered. Now.

Which brother will she end up with? The drifter/gambler or the tender protector? You won't figure out this romance in the first chapter--or the 12th!
But The Red Fury is much more than a romance. (See requirement #3 above!) The history of the great fires of the region (same fires that destroyed Chicago) was fascinating, captivating, and chilling.
In short, The Red Fury is an absolute, must-read!

More about the book:
Spurned by yet another suitor, Lainey flees heartache and flaunts convention by forging an adventurous companionship with Zane and Kelly Beaumont, brothers whose nightmares since the Civil War have never let them return home. Dependent on each other, Lainey denies love's rekindled spark, but as fires rage across the Wisconsin wilderness, she may be consumed by the fury burning inside her.

Homemade, All-natural Hot Chocolate

2012-01-13T04:20:00.000-08:00

With winter in full swing, I've been hounded by urges for hot chocolate, but my new intolerance for artificial ingredients, keeps me from grabbing a box of Swiss Miss with its mile-long list of unpronounceable mystery ingredients.

As with most packaged products found on grocery store shelves, hot chocolate can be made the old fashioned way, on the stove top. It was the only way we had it growing up in Spain where we rationed our Hersheys Cocoa Powder like water in a desert. We had to use it sparingly since it could be a year before someone Stateside sent a box of goodies.

Today, I don't have to be so careful, but I'm still conscious of cost. My goal these days is--cheap, convenient, and all-natural. So when I'm craving hot chocolate, I won't get sick and I don't feel guilty--unless I'm counting calories, which I avoid at all cost!

Hot Chocolate

1 1/4 cups powdered milk

3/4 cups cocoa powder

1 1/8 cups sugar

Mix well and separate into zip-top bags in 1/8-1/4 cup portions.

To serve, dump contents of one bag into the bottom of an empty mug and stir in 1 cup of boiling water--or better, coffee!
OR
Store entire mixture in a sealed container and scoop out the desired amount.

Time: 8 minutes

Cost: $4.25. (25 servings at $.17/serving)

Swiss Miss Brand--$1.28 (10 servings at $.13/serving)

This is one of those recipes that isn't cheaper to make from scratch, but check out the difference in the ingredients list.

My hot chocolate--milk, sugar, cocoa

Swiss Miss--Ingredients: sugar, modified whey, cocoa (processed with alkali), hydrogenated coconut oil, nonfat milk, calcium carbonate, less than 2% of: salt, dipotassium phosphate, mono- and diglyderides, artificial flavor, carrageenan.

It's enough for me to switch, but then, I have the motivation of not wanting to feel sick.

What about you? Have you ever made hot chocolate on the stove top? It certainly has a more dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate flavor. Which do you prefer?

Jimmy Carter NHS, a fascinating trip to 1920s Georgia

2012-01-12T04:38:00.000-08:00

National Park # 13
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and Boyhood Home

The same day we visited Andersonville, we stopped at Plains, GA, the town where President Carter grew up and still resides. It’s a dinky town, one you’d never imagine could birth a president. To clarify, I'm not a Carter fan. I'm simply a National Parks fan.

I was born during the Carter administration, so I don't know much about him, but what little I've heard hasn't impressed me. But I adore history, so I couldn't help but enjoy this visit. I always learn something at the National Parks and what makes me happier, is that my kids learn stuff too. Kinda fills the void quitting home school left in my heart.

While in Plains, I learned that Carter won a Nobel Peace Prize. I know because I nearly knocked the thing off its perch (no it wasn't a replica!). Heaven help me, I’m a klutz. Rest easy, America. Peace survived my visit.

The prize is on display at the school he attended, which has been turned into a museum. The museum was rather average, although the kids were fascinated by the old-school (pun intended) schoolroom and the replica presidential desk (its special name eludes me).

The real treat was the Carter boyhood home. It’s still a working farm, albeit minimally, and stepping onto the place felt rewound the clock to the early 1900s.

Surprise! Opening the door on the two-seater out house.

Inside the farm store. Apparently, farms back then often had stores for the
workers. They purchased items on credit from the boss/farm owner.

Hulling corn. How fun!

All the park rangers at both locations were super friendly. (If there are any park rangers reading this, know that your display of friendliness—or lack thereof—will make or break a national park experience!)

All in all, National Park #13 was pretty neat. Recommend!

Clash of the Titles--What’s Coming in 2012

2012-01-09T04:09:00.000-08:00

IS THERE A BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COMPETE ON CLASH OF THE TITLES? PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO ENTER THE TITLE IN OUR QUICK SURVEY, BELOW!

*by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner

January is in full swing, starting 2012 off with a bang. At Clash of the Titles, you can take that quite literally! For the next two weeks, we’re featuring Death. That’s right. Death.

Death has the power to intrigue and terrify, and it’s that power that a good book taps into, often leaving a permanent mark on the reader’s memory. Visit Clash of the Titles today, to read two Death excerpts and vote for the one that impacts you the most.

Remember that every book you send to the Champions Ring will have a shot at our Laurel Award, handed out at the end of our Tournament of Champions. Coming October 2012!

Between now and our October Tournament, we'll have a slew of exciting clashes—some, old reliables; others, brand new.

Here’s what's on the COTT calendar:

Almost Kiss--

(Feb, accepting submissions)

Unpublished Hooks--

(March, accepting submissions)

Here's a glimpse at clashes you might see in the future:

Good Guy

Bad Guy

Leading Lady

Back Cover Summary

Comparable Covers

Mayhem and Mishaps

Creepy Covers

Author’s Choice

Reader’s Choice

Tantalizing Titles

Young Adult

Childrens

Is there a specific book that comes to mind that you would like to see compete on Clash of the Titles in one of these clashes? We want to know!! Please enter the book title in the survey box below.

Also new in 2012, once a quarter, a specially selected COTT Champ will be featured in a podcast interview with Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. You can hear our current podcast HERE.

Clash of the Titles thanks each of our readers and voters for making COTT such a fun hang-out during 2011. We look forward to another year of introducing you to amazing new books and giving you the opportunity to win them!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Homemade, All-natural Instant Oatmeal

2012-01-06T04:13:00.000-08:00

Artificial flavors and sweetners make me sick to my stomach. I just discovered it, and it was my beloved flavored coffee creamer that clued me in. I'd wake up ravenous, have a cup of coffee, sit down to eat, and gag over my breakfast. Lunch wasn't much better, but by dinner, I could usually swallow my food without much trouble. Call me slow, but I did that for nearly a year before putting the two together.

I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. No one will argue that artificial is good for us. In fact, for me it's poison. But eliminating processed foods from my diet is more complicated and costly than I would have thought. On the flip side, eating naturally feels good. Shoot. Eating feels good, period! But it's more than that. It's become a mission to give my family food that isn't chocked full of poison. And that feels even better.

My new slogan? If God didn't make it, I don't serve it.

Problem is, the all natural products cost quite a bit more.

--Kashi all-natural instant oatmeal (8 pkgs) $5.77 at Wal-mart.
--Store brand instant oatmeal, artificially flavored (10 pkgs) $2.50

$5.77?! That's just wrong. When I read the ingredients list on the Kashi box, I thought, I can make that! Well, of course I can--the old fashioned way. The big round box of oats is way cheaper too, but who wants to sacrifice the convenience of those cute little packages? Not me.

So, I set out to create a solution that was cheap, convenient, and natural.

Here's what I did:

And here's how I did it:

Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal Baggies

6 cups quick cooking oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Mix well, then separate into 12 small zip-top baggies.

1/2 cup of mixture in each.

To serve, dump contents of package into a bowl and pour 1/2 cup boiling water over oatmeal.

pour 2/3 cups cold water over oatmeal and microwave

on high for 1 minute.

Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal Baggies

6 cups quick cooking oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1oz chopped dried apples

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Mix well, then separate into 12 small zip-top baggies.

1/2 cup of mixture in each.

To serve, dump contents of package into a bowl and pour 2/3 cup boiling water over oatmeal.

Pour up 3/4 cold water over oatmeal and microwave

on high for 1 minute.

Time: 8 minutes

Cost: $2.68 (12 servings)

($.36 of that cost was the zip-top bags, which are reusable)

*******
Since writing this, I've realized that there is a preservative in the Sunmaid dried apples. I'm looking into buying a food dehydrator--weighing the cost versus how much use I'd get out of it.

I've also begun putting the entire mix into a single plastic container and letting the kids use a 1/2 cup measuring cup to scoop out their oatmeal serving. It's less hassle.

Soon, I'll be exploring my own version of blueberries and cream!
Stay tuned...

Andersonville--a blight on America's past

2012-01-05T04:35:00.000-08:00

National Park # 12
Andersonville National Historic Site

In November, we knocked four National Parks off our must-see list. Two here in Georgia and two in New Orleans.
1. Andersonville
2. Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
3. New Orleans Jazz Historic Site
4. Jean Lafitte National Historical Preservation.

My favorite of the four is probably a toss-up between Andersonville and Carter’s place. Both were rich in history, which is always a big hit for me.

Andersonville’s past is dark and depressing, yet necessary. It’s a living testament to the depths of depravity man can reach. I’ve always known it was a Civil War prisoner camp, but I’d confused it for Libby Prison, the warehouse camp in Richmond, VA.

Instead of a broken down warehouse, I found a 27 acre sloping hillside with a meager stream running at its base. The ground continues up the other side of the stream creating a mini-valley. Only a portion of the wall has been reconstructed, but at one time the entire area was enclosed by 15-20 foot pickets, so tightly joined, the men couldn’t see beyond to the world outside.

A portion of the reconstructed picket

The camp only existed thirteen months, but during that time, 49,485 Union soldiers came through its gates, 13,700 of which exited as corpses.
The prisoners were left to themselves to erect shelters of whatever branches, tarps, or blankets they could find. Their only source of water was the stream, whose weak current, further hindered by the stockade, quickly turned into a waste-filled mire. Disease, starvation, and violence dominated the landscape.

Toward the end, when thirst and hunger were at their worst, a pounding thunderstorm swept across the camp. The rain was a God-send, but He didn’t stop there. Lightning struck the hillside and instantly, pure water gushed from a spring that still runs today. The prisoners testified that it was God’s mercy shown to suffering men. I believe it.

The miraculous spring, now housed by a granite structure.

Standing at the top of today’s green, rolling slope, it’s hard to imagine such depravity. The chilling stories told in the short film in the museum will stay with me a lifetime.

Years back, we visited a similar camp across the ocean—Dachau. They’re both stomach-churning places to experience, but as horrific as they are, they must not be forgotten. It’s good that our children see them, that they understand how base and savage man can become when he turns his back on God.

Some of the national parks we visit blur together in my memory, but Andersonville left a permanent mark on my soul.

Gravestones from the adjacent cemetery

COTT's Christmas Cover Images Winner

2012-01-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

*by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner

Cover Images Clashes are becoming hugely popular at the literary contest site, Clash of the Titles. Voters have been turning out by the droves to give their opinion about which cover they find most eye-catching.

Their latest Clash featured three Christmas cover images, all of which would have been worthy winners. There’s just something about holiday décor that warms the heart! A book cover with Christmas dressings is no different.

Here’s what hostess Gail Pallotta had to say about the three covers. “The mountain scene in A Log Cabin Christmas took away my breath and sent a peaceful feeling over me. The lovely smile on the young lady on the cover of Christmas Belles of Georgia brightened my day and spoke to me of Christmas joy. Christmas Pearl stood out and proclaimed this holy season.”

But the voters decided, and the winner of the

Christmas Cover Images Clash is:

A HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH THE

AUTHOR AND THE COVER ARTIST!

This is what voters said about Christmas Pearl:

*'Christmas Pearl' simply struck me as beautiful & I sank right in as I read the blurb.
*I think all three are charming, but 'Christmas Pearl' does it for me!
*"Christmas Pearl" is just plain lovely. I love the way the pearl imitates a tree ornament. Very well done cover and quite evocative of Christmas.

Well said!

COTT is currently taking a holiday break, but please visit January 9 for 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.

Happy New Year from Clash of the Titles!!

Unveiling the New Lizzie Blog!!

2012-01-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

My children's novel, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang (ages 8+), released November 2011. It's the first in a series called The Channel Islands Resistance.

Today, I'm officially unveiling the series' new website!

www.ChannelIslandsResistance.com

The book is written for children, but every adult who has read it has thoroughly enjoyed it as well. The history alone is worth the read, but the fact that much of the book is based on the life of my friend, Ruth, makes the adventure literally come to life.

At the new site, you will learn about the book and the history behind it, the Channel Islands and their occupation during WW2, and you can meet Ruth herself, the "real" Lizzie.

If you know any children who love to read, any mothers who love to read aloud to their kids, or if YOU enjoy historical adventures, then you're just who Lizzie's been looking for!

We would appreciate a few "follows" and "shares" so the baby blog doesn't look so lonely. You can also subscribe by email in the sidebar. Thank you!!

www.ChannelIslandsResistance.com

The Merchant's Daughter, Reviewed

2011-12-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

*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

2011-12-17T06:40:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-15T02:42:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

*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

2011-12-07T03:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T03:06:00.000-08:00

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!

I just signed up...don't miss this life changing conference

2011-11-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

Are you free in Christ, or do you find yourself bound by your circumstances, sins, or even your past? If your answer was one of the latter, you need to know that you are not alone. So many Christians today don’t feel like they are truly free. We feel like there is no way to move forward because of where we are or where we’ve been, and that is exactly how Satan wants us to feel. The tighter we’re bound by his lies, the less of an impact we will have for Christ.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way, we can find lasting freedom in Christ, and that is why CJ and Shelley Hitz are hosting a free, 4-day online conference entitled: “Unshackled and Free”. They want you to know, and experience, the freedom that can only be found through Christ. Do you want to be refreshed, inspired, and challenged? Join them November 28th through December 1st, 2011 at 8PM EST each evening to hear from powerful speakers:

Rae Lynn DeAngelis (www.livingintruthministries.com)

Janet Perez Eckles (www.JanetPerezEckles.com)

Renee Johnson Fisher (www.devotionaldiva.com)

Scott Mason (www.ScottMason.org)

They talk about how they have found lasting freedom in Christ, and how you can too. They will be covering topics that are easily related to, including being set free from eating disorders, overcoming life circumstances, reflecting Christ in our relationships, and becoming a new creation in Christ. If you have ever felt bound by something in your life, regardless of where you stand today, I encourage you to sign-up for this conference.

You can have lasting freedom in Christ, and these speakers would love to help you get there. Each session will be broadcasted live, as well as recorded for audio replay. This way you can attend from the comfort of your own home, and if the scheduled time doesn’t work for you, you can simply listen at a time that is more convenient. Each call will be under an hour to make it easier to fit into your busy schedule of work, family and other activities. I do hope that you will join us for this life changing conference.

Get more information, including a complete schedule of events and speaker information here: http://www.theforgivenessformula.com/conference/.

Christmas Belles of Georgia

2011-11-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas Belles of Georgia by Jeanie Smith Cash

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Christmas anthology held special interest for me, since I live just an hour or so away from the setting, which by the way, is nicely woven in. It's a sweet, holiday spirit filled book that will make you smile and laugh. Since I read it the day after Thanksgiving, it was the perfect avenue to launch me into the holidays. My favorite was Nick's Christmas Carol because of the unique gift-giving idea it inspired me to consider.

View all my reviews

Visiting Author, Rose McCauley

2011-11-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, God places a special person in my path as a means of encouragement, friendship, or just to show me a good time. When He placed Rose in my life, He gave me all three! I had the privilege of attending one of author Rose McCauley's books signings last month. She came through my town and spent an afternoon at our Books A Million.

It was a blast! In between sales, we chatted "books" to our hearts' content. Rose is a Kentucky gal, and, considering the title of her anthology is "Christmas Belles of Georgia," her coming to Georgia this time of year was absolutely perfect.

Here's a bit about the book and specifically her novella.

Back cover blurb for the whole anthology Christmas Belles of Georgia: Four letters are mailed from Monticello, a small antebellum town in Georgia. Sisters once, now heirs to a historic plantation, each young woman must come to terms with the circumstances of her birth…Will the sisters receive a traditional Christmas gift…of love?

Back cover blurb for "Nick’s Christmas Carol" in Christmas Belles of Georgia. (Rose's story)

Nick Powers worked hard to earn his college degree and his dream job. He doesn’t know what to expect when he finds out new owners will be taking over Bellingham Plantation soon. When Carol Peterson comes to town, she and Nick get off to a rocky start, but soon combine forces to make Christmas a happier time for others. Can they find their own Christmas happiness?

You might consider Christmas Belles of Georgia as a Christmas gift for that lady in your life that enjoys Christian fiction. Especially if you live in Georgia!

Learn more about Rose McCauley

Buy the book

COTT Amish Championship

2011-11-21T04:54:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Delia Latham

The Amish are known for their quiet, unassuming manner. Their love of all things peaceful…and shunning of competitive pastimes.

Well. I'm afraid that all flew out the window in the COTT Clash featuring Amish fiction. It was a fight to the finish.... a nose-to-nose race...a no-holds-barred dash to the finish line!

Contestants were:

Suzanne Woods Fisher

(Click on the cover to read Suzanne's Excerpt A)

and

Laura V. Hilton

(Click on the cover to read Laura's Excerpt B)

Both authors hit the ground running with sizzling teasers that presented a definite challenge to our readers. Both were super-fantastic! Both offered a tantalizing glimpse into an amazing read.

But only one of these fabulous excerpts could take the win.

When at last the dust died down…the crowd silenced in expectation…and the winner stood revealed…

LAURA V. HILTON

held the finish line ribbon firmly in hand!

CONGRATULATIONS, LAURA!

The choice was not an easy one, as our readers made perfectly clear in their comments:

"Both of these excerpts are immediately engaging—I think I'd like to read both books!"

"Both excerpts are winners. Can't wait to read them."

"I enjoy the Clash of the Titles!! Each author is fantastic!! And such a great place to hear of new authors that perhaps you haven't read before. Good luck!"

"I love to read stories of the Amish. Thank you for your hard work."

"The authors who write Amish fiction are doing a great job keeping true to the Amish ways while holding the reader's interest with wonderful story lines over and over again."

Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to both Suzanne and Laura. I wish we could call it a tie and put both in the winner's slot, because both authors truly are winners.

Fighting Cancer, $1 at a Time

2011-11-10T02:19:00.000-08:00

Price $1.99

MuseItUp Publishing is proud to release the first anthology to help support cancer research...one dollar at a time. Ten stories generously donated by Muse authors (including COTT's Lisa Lickel) along with their royalty, cover art also designed and donated, to go toward the Dana Farber Research Hospital, in memory of one of their editors who fought a long battle with cancer. She passed away this year, and it was this hospital her husband asked us to donate and help them along in their research.

For more details please visit the MuseItUp bookstore and click on the LAVENDER DREAM banner on the right sidebar

About Lisa's Contribution:
Lisa's story, “Testing” in Lavender Dreams is a revised scene from an as-yet-unpublished novel. In this scene, Libby, who has a secondary cancer, is taking part in a double-blind clinical trial of a new treatment for the disease. She doesn’t have much hope for a cure but wants to believe this trial will help someone else down the road. She accidentally learns that someone else in her hotel is also a patient in the trial and they develop a cautious friendship. The test is eventually canceled but Libby feels she’s been given another chance at life.

Lisa was motivated to join this anthology in part because her mother is a breast cancer survivor and several of her friends have been diagnosed with cancer in the last couple of years. Lisa admires their courage and fight and this is a small way to help the cause of finding treatment. Her novel is about unethical stem cell treatment, something that she says she's been interested in, especially since her home state, Wisconsin, and the university, is a world renown center for stem cell study.

Other Contributing Authors:

Barbara Ehrentreu, Gloria Oren, Lisa J. Lickel, Nan D Arnold, Nathaniel Tower, Rosemary Gemmell, Suzannah Safi, Tanja Cilia, Vicki Batman

Contents:

Tributes and Dedications

NONFICTION

A Blessing in Disguise by Gloria Oren

FICTION BASED ON TRUE STORIES

Cancer Didn’t Get Him by Barbara Ehrentreu

Taking Flight by Vicki Batman

Camp Chemo: The Last Laugh by Nan D Arnold

Waiting by Rosemary Gemmell

FICTION

Stories from the War by Nathaniel Tower

Testing…by Lisa J Lickel

The Cancer Tree by Nathaniel Tower

Behind A Closed Heart by Suzannah Safi

The Book by Tanja Cilia

MuseItUp Publishing, thanks you for your support in this cause.

Tournament of Champions: Week Four

2011-11-09T01:35:00.000-08:00

*posted by Michelle Massaro

Week FOUR of COTT's Tournament of Champions saw four more authors compete and three more scavenger hunts played.

Here's a recap:

Becky R went to Gail Pallotta's Blog on Monday to find out when Love Turns theTide's Cammie sees a different side of Vic. She got the correct answer and walks away with a $10 Starbucks card from Lisa Lickel. Pumpkin Latte, anyone?
Megan D visited Marianne Evans' blog Tuesday to discover which of Marianne's books was a Christian Small Publisher's Book of the Year nominee. She won a $10 Amazon gift card from Amanda Stephan. Awesome!
Theresa M stopped by Margaret Brownley's Blog on Wednesday and found the name of the Christmas anthology which Margaret contributed to. She also received a $10 Amazon gift card donated by Raquel Byrnes.
Congrats ladies! Clash of the Titles has awarded over $125 worth of game prizes, thanks to its generous sponsors. Thanks, COTT--and another round of applause for all those game winners!

This was the last week of reader games, but fear not! There's still a chance to win the Grand Prize! I'll share how in a minute. But first...

Which Books Won the Clashes?

Rosslyn Elliot's "Fairer Than Morning" and Delia Latham's "Destiny's Dream" clashed last Monday. "Fairer Than Morning" came out the winner.
Shellie Neumeier's, Driven and Ann O'Barr's Singing in Babylon struck swords on Wednesday. Driven took the top spot.
These two victorious titles competed together on Friday to determine which would move on to the finals for a chance to win the Laurel Award. And that finalist is...

Rosslyn Elliot's "Fairer Than Morning"

She joins Marianne Evans' Hearts Crossing, Elaine Cooper's The Road To Deer Run, and Karen Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride. We now have all four finalists vying for the ultimate COTT honor.
Voting for the Big Winner is going on RIGHT NOW, and continues all week long. The big announcement will be made on November 12th. Public vote determines the outcome, and one reader will receive a Grand Prize of 15 books!!! Want a shot at it? Enter by sharing links, putting up buttons and banners on your blog, becoming a follower of COTT (just make sure you tell them you've done so--they aren't psychics!) Details on the prize basket and full instructions on how to enter can be found here. To make it easy to grab n go, here are the banner and button codes.

Here's the button code:

Find me on twitter @MLMassaro, and Facebook.

Warring Spirits Excerpt 2b, Countdown to Release!

2011-11-08T01:16:00.000-08:00

To catch up on these Warring Spirits, chapter 1 excerpts read--
Scene 1
Scene 2a

Scene 2b continued...
Milly lowered the parasol and forced her gaze to the stranger’s eyes. She found them friendly and unsuspecting. “Good afternoon to you, sir.” Tucking her trembling hands into the folds of the closed parasol, she tried for that beautiful smile but feared she fell short of Isum’s expectations.
The man studied her, never once glancing at Isum.
A cold sweat broke out on her upper lip. Like venom, fear coursed through her, poisoning her confidence. Her gaze slipped to the dirt where it belonged.
“You’re a might far from civilization. It’s not exactly safe out here, even with a strapping young buck such as yours.”
Milly’s line of sight skittered to the man’s chest, then, weighted by years of training, fell back to the ground. “I plan to trade with Creek in the next village. I hear they’ll give anything for a little food.”
“So they will, poor devils.” The man laughed, making Milly’s skin crawl. He sidled his horse close to the buggy, and the smell of his cologne wafted down. “I appreciate a woman with a tender heart.”
“If you don’t mind, we best be moving along. I wouldn’t want to be caught out after dark.”
The man’s silence lured Milly’s hesitant gaze. A smile crept up his face. “There they are, those pretty brown eyes.” He tipped his hat, bowing slightly at the waist. “It would be my pleasure to escort you, miss.”
“No.” The discourteous refusal popped out of its own volition. “Thank you, but that’s not necessary. We’re accustomed to the road.”
Eyes darkening, the gentleman reined his horse around, pointing its nose toward the road behind them. “As you wish. Good day.”
Milly nodded but doubted he noticed. “Let’s move, Isum,” she whispered, anxious to leave the man’s dust behind.
A brisk mile later, Milly’s gloved hand still clutched the parasol in her lap. Tears burned her eyes at the thought of what might have happened. She blinked them away to find Isum grinning from ear to ear.
“We done it. We fooled that dandy.”
A strangled chuckle escaped her. “Yes. I supposed we did. He never suspected a thing.” Milly laughed, full and long. It unwound the knotted cord in her gut, and suddenly, the road opened before them and filled with possibilities.
Possibilities of a future. With Isum? He had offered as much, and she hadn’t exactly rejected him. Neither had she accepted. She found it difficult to move past the years of near-mothering to feel something more toward him. And yet, she couldn’t imagine another man on earth who would willingly wed her. And from all indications, he was more than willing.
Taking in a deep, cleansing breath, she turned and found his steady brown eyes on her. All joviality had fled. “Isum? What is it?”
“For half a minute, I thought I was gonna have to kill me a white man, the way he was lookin’ at you. Like you’s a Sunday pastry.”
It was always the same with men. Many women longed for beauty, but for Milly, it was the key to her shackles. Perhaps today would commence the end of her nightmares. Even if it did, it certainly wouldn’t erase what had already been done to her. She tucked her chin against the nagging shame.
Isum grunted and slapped the reins across the mare’s rump. “Ain’t nothin’ you can help.”
At the sound of thundering hooves, she felt the blood drain from her face. A glance behind them revealed four riders closing in fast.
She gripped Isum’s arm, words lodging in her throat.
Jaw clenched, he focused on the horse as he pulled them to a stop. Running was futile. With quivering resignation, she removed her gloves and folded them neatly, just as the mistress had taught her. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Isum, to see hope shattered across his face.
“It ain’t ova,” he mumbled, as Master Landcastle’s men surrounded them.
Milly coughed in the horses’ dust, and probed her mind for a reasonable excuse.
“I thought you were smarter than this, Milly.” Grayson, the overseer, laid one hand across his legs, loosely aiming a pistol in their direction. “A shame what’ll become of you now.” His false sympathy grated on her ears.
Two of the others dismounted and dragged Isum from his seat. He struggled against their attempt to shackle him and was rewarded with a swift kick to the gut.
Milly jumped from the buggy and scrambled to the side of Grayson’s horse. Her nails dug into the leather of his riding boot. “Please, it was my fault. I didn’t tell him I planned to run.”
He guffawed and kicked her hand away. “He doesn’t answer to you, girl. And he’ll pay for his own foolishness. Just as you will.” He jerked the pistol. “You’re riding with me.”
The thought of being pressed against the man for seven miles of rough roads sent Milly back a step. He lunged forward, grappling for the fabric at the front of her gown, but he missed and scratched her neck instead.
She barely registered the burn.
His nostrils flared. “Get over here.”
Milly shied away from his curses then risked a glance over her shoulder.
The other three struggled against a willful Isum. “Hold him down,” one bellowed.
“I’m tryin’!” Metal clinked and rattled as Isum kicked, sending the shackles skidding across the road.
One of the men swore and went after them.
Too late, Milly noticed Grayson’s hand as he swiped for her again. She swayed back and away, but he compensated, stretching farther away from his horse. Fisting her blouse, he yanked her toward himself.
With a cry, Milly locked her knees, sending her lower half sliding under the horse’s belly. She clung to Grayson’s arm, her weight tugging him down with her.
“Let me loose.” His breath puffed hot in her ear.
The horse skittered, its hooves striking the ground so close she felt the vibration through the dirt. It bolted away from them, sending Grayson tumbling from his perch.
Just in time, Milly flipped to the side, avoiding his descending bulk.
He landed beside her with a grunt, his pistol coming to rest inches from her hand.
“Merciful, Lord,” she whispered through dusty lips.
“Grab it!” Isum screamed. Two held him belly-down, while the third locked one cuff on his ankle. His eyes bore into her, begging her to take action.
Grayson’s gaze darted to the pistol the instant her fingers wrapped around the handle. Before he could pull himself to a sitting position, she had the barrel pointed at his head. “Make them stop.” Her voice trembled in time with her hands.
He snorted. “You wouldn’t kill me.”
No, she wouldn’t, but she could cripple him. In a way he’d never hurt another woman again. Without a word, she redirected her aim.
Steady. Keep it steady. She scooted back, further of his reach. “You heard me.”
Grayson glared at her, his jaw working circles.
From the corner of her eye, she noted the stillness that had settled on the opposite side of the road. Isum flailed once more and managed to dislodge himself from under his captors.
“Unshackle him,” Milly called, her eyes never leaving Grayson’s.
“I’ll find you, and you know it.” His voice was gritty with hate.
“Maybe. But not today.”
“Grayson, what do you want us to do?”
“Let him go.”
The manacles clinked to the ground.
Isum pushed up and trotted to her side, lip bleeding and jaw swollen, but looking better than such a struggle should afford. “I got this here.” He took the weapon from her. “Think you can get the buggy into them trees?”
She nodded. If required to get them out of there, she could sprout wings and fly.
The sun had barely moved by the time Isum had all four men bound, gagged, and lashed to the wagon, which Milly had taken as far into the undergrowth as she could.
While he secured the men’s bonds, Milly changed back into her comfortable, plain brown frock then scattered all the horses but two. Leading one to Isum, she smiled. On horseback, they could cut through the forest and make better time. At least until the ground grew too swampy.
He gave her a boost then adjusted the stirrups with a swiftness that spoke of a lifetime in the master’s stables. Giving her foot a pat, he winked. “Now who’s the mastah of himself?”
She fingered the bonnet’s ribbon tied beneath her chin and shook her head. “It’s a bit soon to be so confident. We have a long trail ahead of us.”
Mounted, Isum directed his horse alongside hers. With a quick yank, he loosened her bonnet’s ribbons. “You don’t need that no more. From here on, we’ll be exactly like the Almighty created us to be.”
One hand pressed to the top of her bonnet, Milly leaned out of his reach.
He clucked his tongue. “Your feet can run, but your heart, it gotta stop chasin’ after lies. It’s time you be who you’s meant to be.”
Who I’m meant to be? “And what exactly am I?”
“A child of the King. And my girl. Nothin’ else mattuh.”
Milly snorted, as he took her mare by the bridle. “We ain’t leavin’ ‘til you know it.”
“I know it.”
“Then take it off.”
She fingered the edge of her bonnet, while Grayson’s gaze gouged her back. She was more terrified to remove it than to turn the mare toward Florida. Heart running wild, she lifted the bonnet until a breeze tickled the hair on her forehead.
With a smile born of unending patience, Isum released her horse.
She set the cap in her lap and ran a hand over the braid worked in a circle around her head, its coarse, frizzy texture accusing her of her tainted heritage.
Her line of sight traveled to Grayson. From where he sat tied to the wagon wheel, the hatred emanating from his eyes scorched Milly’s weak resolve.
“I can’t.” With a jerk to the reins, she twisted the horse’s bit out of Isum’s reach. Gripping the saddle with her thighs, she settled the bonnet back in place. A swift kick of her heel set the mare on the backwoods trail to Spanish Florida.
Isum might be doomed every day to face their reality, but Milly had been blessed with the option to hide.
What slave in her right mind would choose otherwise?
***

-April W Gardner is also the author of Wounded Spirits, Creek Country Saga, book 1

Warring Spirits Excerpt 2, Countdown to Release!

2011-11-07T01:02:00.000-08:00

I'm still catching my breath from the month long Tournament of Champions over at Clash of the Titles. It's almost over, but there's one last opportunity to vote for the Laurel Award winner. You can do so HERE, but you'd better come back when you're done, because I have another Warring Spirits excerpt to share!

The below scene is the first 1,000 words of scene 2, chapter 1. I'll post the second half tomorrow. If you haven't read scene 1, you gotta do that first! HERE.

Readers, let me introduce you to Milly. She's a little busy at the moment, so don't be offended if she doesn't return your wave. :-)

***

Sitting as poised as possible in the bouncing buckboard, Milly rearranged her skirt then tugged her bonnet over her ears. Another rut in the road sent her stomach flying.
“You look fine, Miss Milly.” Isum transferred the reins to one hand then wiped a palm against his dingy, knee-length trousers. A sideways glance topped his crooked smile. “As fine as any white lady in stole clothes.”
Milly squirmed inside her stuffy petticoats. “Borrowed clothes, and don’t call me that. Milly will do.”
“No, miss. It won’t. Best make a habit of it now, before we’re needin’ it.”
“I hate admitting when you’re right.”
Isum chuckled, but Milly pressed her lips and snatched a peek over her shoulder.
“We’ll hear somebody comin’ before we see ‘em.” Isum’s voice remained steady, his demeanor casual, and his shoulders relaxed. His death-grip on the reigns told another story.
Three years ago, he had been as short and wiry as a plucked cotton bush. Now, his muscular, mahogany frame left little room to spare on the wagon seat. According to plantation gossip, the field girls took to nervous giggles whenever he came around. The master had perked up as well and taken to accepting bids.
There was only one thing Master Landcastle needed more than strong field workers. Cash.
The moment whispers in the big house revealed that Isum had been sold and would leave by dawn, Milly took action. There was no way she would let them take the only true friend she had, so ignoring the consequences, she loaded the buggy with vegetables. And one lady’s day gown.
As was their weekly custom, she and Isum set off toward town. Only this time, instead of stopping at the market, they went straight through.
Six miles of red, Georgia clay stretched behind them. Seventeen more before they ran into Spanish Florida. Sixty beyond that, Negro Fort, and safety.
It had been done many times before. It could be done again. But in broad daylight?
Escape stories ran through Milly’s twenty-four years of memory. Had there been a single one where a slave had taken to the road while the sun was at its highest? She shook her head.
But I have an advantage…so long as I’m not recognized.
The July sun beat down on her with mocking strength. She pressed a palm across the back of her stinging neck.
Isum reached to the floorboard then passed her the borrowed parasol. “You’ll be burnin’ if you don’t.”
Since he first came to the plantation as a skinny tyke five years her younger, Isum had been her responsibility. She had cared for him as meticulously as she did her own flesh. About the time his gaze tilted downward in order to look her in the eye, they swapped roles, and his protectiveness had grown in proportion to his towering height.
She frowned, opened the frilly contraption, and settled it against her shoulder. Immediately, her neck cooled. It did nothing for the bile rising in her throat.
Gripping the side of the bench, she failed to tamp down the regret that swelled within her.
The timing was wrong. They would be caught, and he would be sold. She dare not consider her own fate.
They should turn back. It wasn’t too late.
She swiveled and squinted at the road behind them. What options did she have? Mr. Grayson’s features, twisting with his customary, terrifying rage, flashed before her mind’s eye. It’s too late. We can’t turn around.
They should be moving faster.
Isum pulled on the reins.
“Why are you slowing?” Milly sat forward, resisting the urge to yank the whip from its holder and spur the mare to a gallop.
He swiped the floppy hat from his head and mopped his brow with his sleeve. “We ain’t alone. Best we not seem in too much of a hurry.” He indicated with his hat then settled it back in place before taking up a deliberate, relaxed posture.
A horseman topped the next slope.
“Oh God, help us.”
“What you worried about, Miss Milly? You’s armed with the most beautiful smile this side of the Chattahoochee. Ain’t no gentleman gonna see past it to doubt your word.”
But what if he wasn’t a gentleman? Milly forced a wobbly smile then swept her hand under her bonnet, securing any strays.
Within minutes, Isum pulled the buggy to a halt as the gentleman came alongside them. The creaking brake nearly sent Milly scrambling for the trees lining the road. Instead, she angled the parasol to shield her face, presumably, from the sun.
“Good afternoon.” The man’s unfamiliar voice released her pent-up breath.
Easing back the shade, she peered through the lace edging. Long seconds passed before Isum shifted beside her and nudged her back.
Milly lowered the parasol and forced her gaze to the stranger’s eyes. She found them friendly and unsuspecting. “Good afternoon to you, sir.” Tucking her trembling hands into the folds of the closed parasol, she tried for that beautiful smile but feared she fell short of Isum’s expectations.
The man studied her, never once glancing at Isum.
A cold sweat broke out on her upper lip. Like venom, fear coursed through her, poisoning her confidence. Her gaze slipped to the dirt where it belonged.
“You’re a might far from civilization. It’s not exactly safe out here, even with a strapping young buck such as yours.”
Milly’s line of sight skittered to the man’s chest, then, weighted by years of training, fell back to the ground. “I plan to trade with Creek in the next village. I hear they’ll give anything for a little food.”
“So they will, poor devils.” The man laughed, making Milly’s skin crawl. He sidled his horse close to the buggy, and the smell of his cologne wafted down. “I appreciate a woman with a tender heart.”
“If you don’t mind, we best be moving along. I wouldn’t want to be caught out after dark.”
The man’s silence lured Milly’s hesitant gaze. A smile crept up his face. “There they are, those pretty brown eyes.” He tipped his hat, bowing slightly at the waist. “It would be my pleasure to escort you, miss.”

24 DAYS UNTIL RELEASE!

Warring Spirits Excerpt 1, Countdown to Release!

2011-11-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

With the Clash of the Titles Tournament of Champions going on all month and me being responsible to post every day the last two weeks, my personal blog has suffered. I've missed being over here, hangin' with my homies.

So what's the latest in my authorly world? Well, last Friday, I sent off the final version of Lizzie to my editor. She's all spiffied up and ready to hit the market. When? If you've got an e-reader, you'll have access to the book 15 November. The paperback version will be available early 2012. I'm working on a separate blog dedicated to my Lizzie books and all the kids who will inevitably love her. :-) But it's not quite time for the unveiling. Soon! (Learn more about my children's book)

Shortly after that, Warring Spirits (the long awaited sequel to Wounded Spirits) will hit Amazon and other major on-line retailers. December 15, I'm having an official Amazon launch (like last year). There will be fun and games and (of course, prizes!) for anyone who buys the book that day. However! The book will be available for purchase 30 November. That's just--gulp--27 days away!!! Wow, it's coming up fast.

Are you dying to know what becomes of Adela and Totka? Well, I'm dying to tell you! Are you curious as to whether or not Phillip reenters the scene? Well, wonder no longer. Below is the first scene of Warring Spirits. Enjoy!!

Chapter 1

Nashville, Tennessee 1816

Phillip knew it was a dream. He told himself again, though it did little good. The children’s shrieks grew louder. The flaming pickets roared with new life, as though fueled by his denial of their existence.
His legs churned, but he couldn’t free his mind of the constant nightmare. At least this time, he reasoned, he wasn’t awake. Small blessings.
And then, he saw her.
Adela.
Arms dangling at her sides and skirt undulating in the waves of heat, she stood across the compound. Her lips were motionless, but her voice echoed through his mind. “Phillip.”
He rushed toward the vision, and she reached for him. “Phillip, love, you must wake up.”
With a cry, he bolted upright.
The silhouette of a woman hovered over him. He stared at her, unblinking, afraid to move and frighten her away.
Sweat poured down his chest—sweat as real as the shadow seemed.
“That’s better,” she whispered. “You’ll be alright.”
He disagreed, but if he spoke, he might shatter her. He’d done it before.
Her loose hair swayed as she moved so near, he should feel her heat.
Taking in the comfort of her presence, he held his breath until his lungs burned with need. Refusing to be contained any longer, air exploded from his mouth. The sound ripped through the cabin, and in one blink, Adela vanished.
A moan built in Phillip’s throat, and he buried his head in his trembling palms. When his fingers collided with the jagged flesh on his face, he recalled again why Adela was no more to him than a mocking shadow, a figment of his deluded, half-crazed mind.
She had turned him down.
Familiar nausea haunted his gut. With a growl, he threw his damp pillow across the room. The sound of splintering glass sent him scrambling for the musket by his bed. He had the unsteady barrel aimed toward the source before he realized he’d been the cause of the commotion.
He dropped the weapon and backed away from it as though it were a copperhead. Blood pounded in his throat. He swallowed hard, terrified of his own mind.
It had been nearly two years. One more night of this and he would prove the gossip correct. He would go mad.
There had to be a better way.
“Help me.” His voice shivered, and for once, he was thankful to be alone. “Sweet Jesus, show me a better way.”

***
And so begins our story!

A behind-the-scenes look--I wrote this scene based on my own nighttime experiences. I often wake to shadows of people in my room. Eyes wide open, I see silhouettes moving and interacting with me. Sometimes, I welcome them, sometimes they're terrifying. I know they aren't real, and I tell myself that they're just a figment of my over-active imagination, a part of my dream that doesn't want to let go. Sometimes, it helps. Sometimes, it doesn't. Either way, after what can seem an eternity of staring at these things, in one blink, they vanish. Then I roll over and immediately go back to sleep.

My 8yo daughter (who also has vivid dreams and an overflowing imagination) has started having similar experiences. The other night, she woke up and saw spiders crawling up her covers. Poor, dear.

Do you ever have this happen to you? If so, do share!

Over the next days and weeks, I'll be posting excerpts from my upcoming books, so keep an eye out!

Tournament of Champions: Third Week Recap

2011-11-02T02:17:00.000-07:00

*Guest post by Michelle Massaro

Week THREE of COTT's Tournament of Champions saw four more authors compete and three more scavenger hunts played.

Here's a recap:

On Monday, players were sent to Elaine Cooper's Blog with a mission: Find the full name of the girl Nathaniel Stearns falls in love with in the book trailer video on her home page. Renee C won a $10 Amazon gift card from Marianne Evans, author of Hearts Crossing.

Tuesday, the hunt was on at Shellie Neumeier's Blog. The question: What is the name of the book Shellie co-wrote with Lisa Lickel? Tammy G won a $10 Amazon gift card from April Gardner, author of Wounded Spirits.

Wednesday we were led to Naomi Musch's Blog. The question: In her new release, The Red Fury, Colette's daughter Lainey is seeking solace from tragic loss and two searing rejections by doing what 2 things? B.J. Robinson won a $10 CBD gift card donated by Ann Gaylia O'Barr, author of Singing in Babylon.

Want your own spending spree? Be sure to play in this week's hunts. Check Clash of the Titles for game info.

And what about the competing books? Who won?

Karen Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride and Lena Nelson Dooley's Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico battled on Monday. A Tailor-Made Bride came out the winner.
Christine Lindsay's Shadowed in Silk and Naomi Musch's The Green Veil struck swords on Wednesday. The Green Veil took the top spot.
These two victorious titles competed together on Friday to determine which would move on to the finals for a chance to win the Laurel Award. And that finalist is...

Karen Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride!

There are now three finalists vying for the ultimate COTT honor. In this final week they'll be joined by a fourth book, then all will be thrown into the ring until only ONE remains. Who will it be? It's up to readers to decide, so cast your votes!
The Laurel will be awarded on November 4th, along with the 15-book grand prize that will be given to one lucky reader. Want a shot at it? You can enter by sharing links, putting up buttons and banners on your blog, becoming a follower of COTT, etc. Details on the prize basket and full instructions on how to enter can be found here. To make it easy to grab n go, here are the banner and button codes (just don't forget to let them know if you put them up!)

Here's the button code:

* Michelle Massaro is the Assistant Editor for COTT. Find her on twitter @MLMassaro, Facebook, and Adventures In Writing.

Lonely Hearts Book Launch--Chance to Win Big Prizes!

2011-11-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Purchase Amanda Stephan's novel, Lonely Hearts, today on Amazon and receive a load of free e-books, even more e-gifts, and entry into the drawing for your choice of a Kindle, a Nook, or an iPod Shuffle.

That's the best 13 bucks

you'll spend all month!

WHEN: Today! Tuesday, November 1, 2011
WHERE: Amazon.com
TIME: 24 hours
RECEIVE: Free e-gifts with purchase on launch day ONLY
What do you get? Chance to win a Kindle, an iPod Shuffle, a Nook, and get LOTS of FREE e-books on November 1st!
DETAILS FOUND AT: www.booksbyamanda.com

About the book:

One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors, and some very yummy apple pie!

When widow Becky Callis moves to a new town, she thought it would be easier to start over in a place where she's not reminded of her dead husband. Her kids on the other hand, take it as a chance to help their mother start over romantically. The only problem is, there seems to be quite a few eligible bachelors they can choose from! They soon realize it's easier to find someone to like their mother than it is to figure out which man is best for her.

Even though this handsome cowboy is younger than Becky, Scott makes his interest plain and starts courting her almost immediately to the delight of both kids.

Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.

Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them soon after Emily's birth. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is harder than it looks!

Lonely Hearts, a story of second chances, choices, and yummy apple pie will be released in October through TreasureLine Publishing. Exclusive Apple Pie recipe included!

Praise for Lonely Hearts:

You’ll find yourself nodding with delight at Becky’s courageous reactions, cheering her on and sighing with her during her ups and downs of life. But even in the fresh humor that sprinkles through her experiences, you’ll admire her rare quality to uphold what’s important. Although romance wasn’t a priority, God’s ways usher Becky to unforeseen encounter with what often is inevitable when you trust in God’s lead, hold on to your convictions and are deliciously surprised in the end. ~ Janet Perez Eckles, author of Amazon #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, Judson Press, 2011

Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Ms. Stephan would throw in an unexpected twist, tossing a monkey wrench into her characters’ lives--and a rather large monkey wrench near the end of the story. If you like romance, a touch of sweet humor, and characters who face life head-on, this is the perfect book to curl up with! ~ Karin Kaufman, author of The Witch Tree

Visiting Author, Amanda Stephan

2011-10-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Amanda is having a a huge party and you're invited!! She's launching her novel, Lonely Hearts, and from what I hear, there are some amazing prizes, and when I say "amazing," I mean it. You gotta come back tomorrow to learn how to enter!

In the meantime, I'll introduce you to Amanda and her novel.

About Lonely Hearts

One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors and some very yummy apple pie!

When widow Becky Callis moves to a new town, she thought it would be easier to start over in a
place where she's not reminded of her dead husband. Her kids on the other hand, take it as a
chance to help their mother start over romantically. The only problem is, there seems to be quite
a few eligible bachelors they can choose from! They soon realize it's easier to find someone to
like their mother than it is to figure out which man is best for her.

Even though this handsome cowboy is younger than Becky, Scott makes his interest plain and
starts courting her almost immediately to the delight of both kids.

Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives
have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her
back into his life for a reason.

Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them soon
after Emily's birth. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and
Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is harder than it looks!

About Amanda

Amanda Stephan is just a normal, everyday country girl. She resides near Columbia, TN with her husband and children, three cats, one dog, and multiple roosters that love to roost under their bedroom windows. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and loves to read a good book.
Out of love for her family and love for God, she finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way. Her first novel, The Price of Trust, was published in May of 2010, her second novel, Lonely Hearts, is due for release at the end of October, 2011, and her Slade series was just picked up by TreasureLine Publishing.
If you were to ask her to share one thing about herself that most people don't know, she'd have so many to choose from that she'd probably hesitate for a moment. Not quite a recluse, she's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. But she would say her most interesting accomplishment is that she laughs like Scooby Doo.

You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once like her
Facebook fan page
her Facebook author page
Twitter
her website
or her personal blog

My New Cover Image!

2011-10-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

HERE MY NEW COVER!!

ABOUT WARRING SPIRITS

(available 30 Nov)

In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.

Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle. But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.

Rockin' the Party at COTT!

2011-10-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

*guest post by Delia Latham

It's been a bang-up bash all week at Clash of the Titles. We've been blog-hopping for treasure, and a couple gals found the loot!

LINDA won Game #1. She'll receive a
$10 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate

from Gail Pallotta.

CLAUDIA RIZZI won Game #2. She'll receive a
$25 Partylite Gift Certificate
from Michelle Massaro.

Congratulations to our game winners!

And the fun continues all the way through Nov. 4th. Our doors are open and we have a whole pile of party hats just waiting to be worn. Bring your votes and come on down!

In the midst of all the fun and games this week, we had four authors at swordspoint with TWO Clashes. All four entries were outstanding, and each possessed strong winning qualities. But, as in any race or competition, not everyone makes the finals.

We chose a single winner from each Clash. These two went head-to-head on Saturday…and only one will proceed to the finals and duke it out for the COTT Laurel Award.

This week's Clash WINNERS are:

Clash #3:

Erin Rainwater with her excerpt from

The Arrow That Flieth by Day

Clash #4:

Elaine Marie Cooper and her excerpt from

The Road to Deer Run

CONGRATULATIONS, ladies!

These two went head-to-head on Saturday…with only one proceeding to the finals to duke it out for the COTT Laurel Award.

That one is....

Elaine Marie Cooper and her excerpt from

The Road to Deer Run

Cyber-hugs and sincere thanks to Anne Patrick and Margaret Brownley! These were tough decisions and difficult votes to make. You're ALL winners!

More games and more exerpts are up for grabs this week, so don't miss out. Stop by COTT and play.

*Delia Latham is the author of the Solomon's Gate Series and a Blog Alliance Correspondent for COTT

Are You Smarter Than a Second Grade Writer? Part 2

2011-10-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we met Nancy, that darling seven year-old protagonist. (If you missed the introduction, you should run over there to meet her.) Nancy has some rather strong likes and dislikes which will get her into some hot water, and that's exactly where we want her. A story without conflict is no story at all.

Conflict can take many forms, but in a character driven plot, it often arises from within the character herself. A moral dilemma, an unquenchable yearning for the forbidden, a secret sin that must never be revealed--all conflicts with oodles of potential. But how to decide which conflict to assign which character?

During my volunteer hour last week, Mrs. S., my daughter's teacher, brought it down to a second grade level. She instructed the students to take one dislike from their character's arms or legs and create a problem with it. After carpet time, every kid in the class sat down and wrote out the basis for their fictional story--the problem.

Nancy hates television, so when her mommy tells her to take a break from her homework and watch TV, she has a problem. Nancy is being made to do something she dislikes. All sorts of great conflict can arise from a such a horrid situation. She could pitch a fit and be grounded from art at school (one of her "likes"). She could relax too much, fall asleep, then not be able to finish her homework. She could go cross-eyed, have to go to the doctor, and miss swimming with her friends (one of her likes).

You get the picture.

Use the characteristics you gave your protagonist to create or enhance the conflict in the story.
If your hero has post traumatic stress disorder and becomes physically ill at the sight of gore, make him a commanding officer in the army, then plop him into a bloody battle. If your heroine is a runaway slave who can pass for white except for her African hair, put her in a bonnet and toss her into 1800s Georgia. (Sound intriguing? Warring Spirits, available 30 Nov)

I'm going back to school tomorrow to learn what I can from Mrs. S. about writing. And I'm dying to see what the kiddos have done with their stories! Who knew an author could learn so much in second grade writing? :-)

One thing's for sure, my daughter is learning how to create stories the right way. For an author, that's huge.
Thank you, Mrs. S.!

-- April W Gardner is the award-winning author of Wounded Spirits.

Are You Smarter Than a Second Grade Writer?

2011-10-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Nancy, our protagonist.

Nancy is seven years old, has long blond hair, likes art, and is awaiting her next crisis to solve.

***

Once a week, I volunteer in my daughter's second grade class during their writing hour. It's just an hour, but it's one of the best of my week. The kids are precious, and the tiny part I do in guiding them toward better writing skills is selfishly rewarding.

Up to now, the kiddos have been writing personal accounts, but with the start of the second quarter, they're diving into fiction. Fun, fun!!

Last Thursday, during carpet time, Mrs. S. explained how to create a character and a problem that needs to be solved in the story. I sat entranced as she broke the process all the way down to a 2nd grade level. Ten minutes later, a classroom of seven and eight year-olds succeeded at something many adult writers fail to grasp.

The first order of business was to decide whether the character should be a girl or boy. Easy.

Next, the features. Nancy was given blond hair, blue eyes, peach skin, and very large pink lips.

The last step in creating Nancy was to give her a personality. As you'll notice, Nancy's body is full of words, my little girl's words. (Aren't they cute?) The ones in her arms and legs are all the things Nancy does not like. TV, for example. (She must be ill.) Outside her body are four things Nancy does like. Two of which are art and "to play with her 'frel'" (open to interpretation).

On her belly there are two words listed--kind and shy. These are her basic personality traits and should never contradict each other (i.e. kind and rude).

My personal, authorly addendum to this--A kind character can have moments of rudeness, but the essence of who she is must remain solid. There's nothing more irritating than an inconsistent character. Do not mold your character around the plot. Mold the plot around your character! Develop her solid. Keep her solid.

For writers of historical fiction, such as myself, this can be tricky, especially, when stuck to a firm timeline or schedule of actual events. But we must make it work. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Whether you're a maniacal plotter or a seat-of-the-pantser, if you haven't taken the time to develop and record your heroine's physical features, likes and dislikes, and basic personality traits (at a minimum!), your story will suffer. Every second grader at my kids' school knows this. You should, too!

Creating Nancy was a blast, but it was only the beginning. There's no sense having the perfect character if there's not a compelling story to go along with her. But never fear, students, Mrs. S. has a formula for developing that too.

Tune in tomorrow for part two in "Are You Smarter Than a Second Grade Writer?"

-- April W Gardner is the author of Wounded Spirits and the children's adventure novel, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang.

Visiting Author, Lynn Rush

2011-10-18T02:11:00.000-07:00

Are you ever struck with the urge to read something off-the-wall different? You all know that I'm a hard-core historical fan, but periodically, the need arises for a break from it all. A change of pace is frequently a good thing.
Of course, my "different" is most likely different from your "different." LOL That's what makes recommending books so much fun.

What's "off-the-wall different" for me, you ask? Anything paranormal. That's not to say I don't like that genre. I usually do. It the spice that flavors up my normal steady diet of historical romance.
Lynn Rush's Wasteland is a great example.

Now, I haven't read the book, so I can't endorse it. But when I read the blurb, it sounded so intriguing, I felt compelled to share it with you...just in case my "different" is your "normal." :-) Or in case you're like me and are craving a taste of the unfamiliar.

Book Blurb:

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.

The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.

Here's what Rebecca Zanetti, author of FATED had to say about Wasteland.

WASTELAND is a fast paced, sexy, romantic tale with characters who instantly capture your attention…and your heart. The hero is honorable and darkly tormented, while the heroine is idealistic and strong. Lynn Rush has created a world of good and evil—where nothing is quite as it seems. I lost myself in the story and truly enjoyed every minute of it.

An excerpt from the book:

I brought my other hand to her face, the side with the mark, and curled my fingers around her neck, moving my thumb behind her ear. Her hands cuffed my wrists, but not to push me away. Instead her stare bore into mine like a freight train. The flashing lights of the club bounced a coral, teal, and violet rainbow over her shimmering skin.

The people surrounding us blurred into oblivion, and the music faded into a storm of muffled pitches and tones.

I concentrated on her shining lips and took in the warmth of her body so close to mine. I wanted only the sense of touch to be awake while I reveled in the silky texture of her skin. For so long I'd touched nothing. If I was going to break my rules, I would enjoy it.

Her hands glided from my wrists down my forearms and up my biceps, sending a ripple of desire through my soul. I could resist no longer. I brushed my lips against hers and tasted melon. She heaved a sharp breath and clamped her fingers around my shoulders, holding me in place.

Scents of lilac permeated me. My heart hammered, and my demon pounded, wanting out.

Wanting her.

I turned my head, severing our connection. Too intense. Must stay in control. She let out a whimper. I pressed my mouth to her cheek and tilted her head.

I almost wished I hadn't.

She bore the mark of a Guardian, immortal protectors of the humans.

I drank Beka in for three long breaths, knowing it may be my last chance to hold her close. Because if Beka truly was guarding Jessica Hanks I would more than likely have to kill her to get my Mark.

If, like me, you're already hooked, link up to one of the below locations to purchase your copy today.

Purchase the book:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer: http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk

Meet Lynn Rush:

Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa

COTT Kicks Off Tournament of Champions

2011-10-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Guest post by Jennifer Slattery
Last week, Clash of the Titles launched their first annual Tournament of Champions with two clashes and four talented authors. In Clash one, CS Lakin, author of Someone to Blame, and Marianne Evans, author of Heart Crossing, went head-to-head in a nail-biting, literary duel. In Clash two, our very own Gail Pallotta, author of Love Turns the Tide, competed against Clare Revell, author of A Season for Miracles. All four excerpts rocked, and this was a tough call, but you, our faithful readers chose two Tournament of the Champions' finalists.

Those finalists were Marianne Evans and Gail Pallotta.

Exciting stuff, and yet, the games weren’t done. In the next round, COTT staff cast their votes, and once again, one writer rose to the top and will advance to the next round.
That author is…
Marianne Evans!
And here’s a glimpse of what a COTT champion excerpt looks like:
“Collin Edwards stood before the funeral assembly. Heat crawled up his body. He clutched the edges of the podium where he stood and cleared his throat. The gesture was in vain. His throat constricted so much it hurt. Before the altar, just to the right, rested a flag-draped casket.
He looked down, at a piece of paper upon which he had crafted the words to a eulogy…” (Read more of Excerpt B here.)
About the novel, Heart Crossing:
Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss.
Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God, and the community of Woodland . Lately though, she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm.
A beautification project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists, but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better. Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger.
Can Daveny trust in Collin’s fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?
We’d also like to congratulate our prize-winning readers:

Jessica R Patch! She won a $10 Amazon Gift card from Elaine Cooper.

LoRee Peery! She won a free bookmark design from Delia Latham.

Larry Hammersley! He won a $10 Amazon Gift card from Author Anne Patrick.

Join us this week for more fun and prizes as four more authors jump into the ring hoping not only to advance to the next round, but ultimately reign as the Clash of the Titles’ champion of champions! Remember, every vote counts! Each vote gets your name thrown into the hat for our fab-tabulous grand prize give-away comprised of fourteen novels!

Visit our Tournament of Champions page for a complete list of prizes.

***
Jennifer Slattery is the marketing manager for Clash of the Titles. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the Christian Pulse, and Samie Sisters and has written for numerous other publications. She also works for Tiffany Colter, the Writing Career Coach, as a professional manuscript evaluator and publicist. You can find out more about her and her writing at her devotional blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud. You can find out more about her critique and publicity services at Words That Keep.

COTT Tournament of Champs--IT HAS BEGUN!

2011-10-13T02:50:00.000-07:00

IT HAS BEGUN!!

Over the last year, there have been

OVER FIFTY

clashing author in twenty-four CLASHES,

but only ONE can win the

LAUREL AWARD.

YOU decide which!

In the process, we invite you to repeatedly enter to win
THREE GIFTS A WEEK,
including the GRAND PRIZE--
15 NOVELS

www.clashofthetitles.com

PROMO VIDEO CREATED BY COTT ASSISTANT EDITOR, MICHELLE MASSARO

Cheap and Easy DIY Project--Painting Light Fixtures

2011-10-12T02:35:00.000-07:00

If you're tired of your old light fixtures (like me) but lacking the money to replace them (like me), there might be a cheap solution for you. Spray paint.

Both my breakfast room and dining room lights were that cheapy-looking gold that was so popular in the 90s.

One coat of primer and two coast of "rubbed bronze" later...

And the breakfast room...

It also looks good on our kitchen cabinet knobs, although I spray painted them glossy

black (with lacquer) to match the stove.

I'm considering painting the "gold" door knobs too, but wondering how they'll hold up under the constant wear and tear. Has anyone tried spray painting their door knobs? And if so, how did it turn out?

Kimberley Payne's "Fit for Faith" John 3:16 Marketing Network Launch

2011-10-11T03:04:00.000-07:00

Kimberley Payne, author and speaker, is launching her book Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual and physical health on Tuesday, October 11^th at Amazon.com. You can help Kimberley achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at Amazon.com TODAY!

About the book:

This book unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. It is a reference on cardiovascular exercise, strength training, prayer, healthy eating, Bible study, flexibility exercise and journal writing.

About the Author:

Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author. Her writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former personal trainer and has worked in the designing and counselling fields of weight control, stress management, self esteem improvement and wellness programs. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children near Peterborough, Ontario. You can visit her WEBSITE.

Bonus!

Buy Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical on Tuesday, October 11^th and receive loads of FREE gifts from many generous supporters. http://kimberleypayne.wordpress.com/launch-gift-page/

Sample chapters, Bible studies, short stories, and children’s books from acclaimed, best selling and debut Christian authors.

All if you buy your copy of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health at Amazon.com on October 11^th 2011!

These free gifts are valid on Tuesday, October 11th only.

Disclaimer:

This Best Seller book launch has been coordinated with the help of the John 3:16 Marketing Network and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the Internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, Amazon.com

Congrats to COTT Clash Winner Tanya Stowe!

2011-10-10T02:42:00.000-07:00

* Guest post by Delia Latham

Divine gifts have been a topic of much dissension down through the ages. Some folks believe God bestows certain gifts on his children others firmly believe He does not—or at least that He might have long ago but He certainly doesn't today.

We're not here to argue the point.

That said it has been proven time and time again that certain people have specific abilities that others do not. Not learned skills which is the ability to do something because one has deliberately set out to master that particular challenge. I'm talking about inherent abilities that one naturally possesses usually from birth.

That's the kind of mind-boggling gift Tanya Stowe tackles in Tender Touch, the excerpt from which won the most recent COTT Clash. Lacy Butler is graced with the gift of healing…but she refuses to use itbecause it didn't save her mother. Pretty commonisn't it? We never seem to want the gifts God tries to bestow on usor we'll take the gift (Thank you very muchFather!)but we want to use it in our own wayfor our own purposes. Tanya does a fantastic job of bringing Lacy around from total abandonment of her gift of healing to an acceptance of God's will and God's way to use…GOD'S gift.

Here's a snippet from Tanya's Tender Touch excerpt:

The sudden comfort overwhelmed him. He wanted to close his eyes and slip away. But his blurry gaze focused on his rescuer as he unwrapped the muffler. He wanted…needed to see this man’s facethe man who had saved his life. He forced himself to watch as he pulled off the floppy gray hat.

Royce blinked. His foggy mind was playing tricks on him. A longgolden braid fell from beneath the hat and lay across the man’s shoulder. He slipped off the coat and beneath was the slender shape of a woman.

His man...his midnight visitor was a woman! Shock filled Royce’s mindand his head flopped senselessly sideways.

We asked Tanya if she learned anything about God's character through Tender Touch. Here's what she said: “Instead of learning something about God through this bookit is a reflection of something I learned about God from life. I’ve had some personal experience with faith healing and I wanted to write a story that reflected those truths. Of courseLacy’s gift is highly dramatizedbut the basics about how God heals are true.” (Read Tanya's interview)

Of her experience on COTTTanya says: "This was the most fun I had in an interview in a longlong time. COTT does such a good job. I really appreciate this opportunity."

Readers loved the Tender Touch excerptas well—and we loved their comments:

“I feel like I’m already hooked on reading the book.”

“… made me want to find out more about the mysterious midnight visitor man who turned out to be a woman. Both of these were great and it was hard to choose one. Can they both win?? !!!”

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run allbut one receiveth the prize?"

Currently we're in the middle of the exciting Tournament of Champions which will be in high gear from Oct. 10 through Nov. 4. Don't miss it! Past Clash champs duke it out for the final prize with each of them offering an excerpt that will hopefully have you panting for more. Head on over and see what it's all about.

* Delia Latham is a Christian wife mother grandmother sister and friend as well as an author of inspirational romance and women's fiction. She wears each hat with pride but treasures most of all her role as a princess daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Congrats to Tanya and a huge thank you also to her very worthy opponent Shawn Grady.

Book Cover Reveal #2! Fighting Fear--Winning the War at Home

2011-10-07T01:10:00.000-07:00

Fighting Fear is a devotional written for anyone whose life is touched by the military and its life-altering deployments. A military mom herself, author Edie Melson has complied real-life stories from a list of contributors. Including myself! Fighting Fear releases this Veteran's Day, November 11, 2011. It's a wonderful book, and I'm proud to have a small part in its production!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Saying goodbye to a loved one leaving for war is a gut-wrenching proposition. But for those left behind, their deployment marks the beginning of our battle. And yet, it is possible to find God’s peace in the midst of fear and conquer the terror that lurks in the darkness of doubt. In Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home, parents, spouses and siblings recount their personal journey as God goes before His people during times of spiritual, physical and military warfare. Learn the secret to living a peace-filled life when a loved one leaves for battle. Fight fear; win the war at home.

Book Cover Reveal! Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang

2011-10-06T01:50:00.000-07:00

Giddy with excitement, I present you the cover art for my November 15 release,

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang.

Isn't it gorgeous?! The artist did a wonderful job.

The cover couldn't be more perfect.

An island occupied by Nazis makes life hazardous, but for an adventurous nine-year-old girl bent on escape, it could be deadly.

Lizzie Browning loves nothing more than her tiny, island-home of Guernsey, but when German troops invade, she knows nothing will ever be the same again. For Lizzie, younger brother Andre, and cousin James, the time to escape is now, and they know just how to do it.

Phillip Seifert, the odd boy from down the street, has all the markings of a genuine Nazi-lover. Lizzie knows better than to trust him, but he somehow manages to weasel his way into James’ good graces. Phillip joins the gang in their audacious escape plan, and Lizzie can do little more than pray he doesn’t get them all shot. But Lizzie soon learns that God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way she expects. He might actually plan for them to live under Nazi rule…forever.

Tomorrow, I'll post the cover of the devotional I contributed to. It's entitled, Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home and was compiled by author Edie Melson. Stay tuned!

2011 Ocmulgee Indian Celebration

2011-10-05T01:58:00.000-07:00

Last month, me and the fam attended the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration. Third summer here, and we finally made it out there. Shameful, huh? Especially for the author of the Creek Country Saga. Yep, shameful. It just hadn't worked out for us to be able to go in years past, but mark it down, we'll be making more of an effort in the future.

The celebration took place at the Ocmulgee National Park in Macon. It's the largest gathering of Native Americans in the Southeast, with over 200 in attendance. Crafts, dances, storytelling, music, warriors on horseback--it was every Native American novelist's dream.

Choctaw Dancer

Hubby volunteered for four hours in the gift shop, using his large muscles to intimidate would-be shoplifters, while the kids re-visited the mounds with friends we bumped into (9,000 in attendance and we run into some of our best friends. Imagine that.) Meanwhile, I soaked in every detail of the music and dances.

Muscogee man dressed in Yamasee War period clothing.

I chatted with one of the men from a Southeastern tribe (that, unfortunately, slips my mind) about his hunting shelter. He tours the country visiting schools and teaching kids accurate Native American culture. His bark shelter (pictured below) is similar to what my Wounded Spirits characters used when Jackson's troops swept through Creek Country sending them fleeing into the woods. I was giddy as a school girl to see it, although hopefully, I was successful in keeping it contained!

If you live in the area, you gotta go next year. Give me a shout, and we'll go together!

April W Gardner is the author of the award-winning novel, Wounded Spirits.

Spark Challenge--The Road Less Traveled

2011-10-04T01:55:00.000-07:00

Trisha from House Honcho issued a Spark challenge.

Set the egg timer for 5 minutes and write, unedited, on the following topic:

Robert Frost wrote a poem titled The Road Not Taken. Name a road you’ve always wanted to travel.

I broke a rule, Trisha. I edited. Sorry. Couldn' t help it! But it was lots of fun. Thanks for the challenge!

*****

The other day, I put on my thirteen year-old Berkenstocks and sighed with contentment as the soles of my feet molded perfectly with the insides of the sandals. The Berks and I are old friends. Together, we’ve graced countless miles on more roads and in more countries than I can recall, and we’re as much in love now as the first day we met. Our memories are sweet, but if there was only one more road we could travel together, we’d pick the one that leads to the door of our “forever home.”

It’s a lovely, lonely road with only an old barn and a horse pasture to keep it company. Undulating fields span both sides. It’s more gravel than asphalt, and only the butterflies and bluebirds will be around to hear the crunch of the rocks beneath the car’s tires.

I’m not sure where the road can be found. What county. Not even sure about the state, but it’s out there somewhere, waiting for me. I’ll know my road when I see it, but if you come across it, stop and let it know the Berks and I are coming. As quickly as we can.

COTT Blog Alliance, Meet Our Partners--Joanne Troppello and Carrie Lewis

2011-10-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

* Guest post by Gail Pallotta

MEET OUR PARTNERS

After an early morning workout Joanne Troppello sits at her computer near two big windows. Working from an office in her home in the northeast, she “loves getting plenty of sunshine.” She munches on her breakfast as she starts one of five weekly blogs. Her focus is “to connect authors and readers.”
This prolific writer also schedules giveaways and one-time events. Past specialties include two internet festivities, The Royal Wedding and Summer Blog parties. On the books—a Christmas Blog Party. Get ready for the fun.
Joanne likes to spotlight newer, unknown authors in addition to networking with all authors. Writers’ opportunities include Monday interviews and mid-week guest blogs. Two Fridays out of the month she does book reviews. The other two she interviews guests in her Reader’s Corner. One of her favorite things is hearing from readers. She says, “They are who we write for, and we want to write stories that appeal to them with characters that stay with them for a long time.” Joanne says her readers “really like commenting on blog postings and hearing back from authors.”
An author of two books, All Romance ebooks best seller Mr. Shipley’s Governess and Shadowed Remembrances, Joanne writes in the mystery and inspirational genres. When she isn’t at her computer, she loves spending time with her husband and family.
To discover lots of fun activities for writers and readers visit Joanne at http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/

***********************

Artist, writer and blogger Carrie Lewis paints portraits for her day job and in her leisure time. Her favorite subject is horses. Easels, paintings and portraits-in-progress abound throughout her Kansas home, including some in her office.
She’s written for as long as she can remember, finishing her first complete manuscript in eighth grade. She says, “I’ve been dividing my time between the studio and the writing desk, and God has seen fit to keep me at home.”
Saving Grace, Carrie’s WIP, “…is a cross between speculative fiction, suspense and Old Testament prophecy.” As far as the WIP and what Carrie normally writes, she says, “It’s so far outside the box....I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get back into that box.”
An active blogger, Carrie posts three times a week. Her topics include writing tips, reports on stories she’s working on, the way we write, and the things we write about. She recently started putting up a weekly writing prompt. It’s “been fun and uses images, colors, sounds, all sorts of things.” For her readers she hopes to share what she’s had to “learn the hard way so that those who follow might not have to learn the same way.” She wants to “encourage writers to heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit when deciding what to write, especially if the story they have to tell is outside what most of us think of as popular fiction.”
When we stop by Carrie’s blog, I imagine we’ll see some of her horse paintings as well as her writings! What a treat. Visit her at http://writing-well.carrie-lewis.com/

* A COTT Blog Alliance Correspondent, Gail Pallotta recently published her first romance, Love Turns the Tide. When she isn't writing she likes reading, swimming, and getting together with friends and family. Gail wants to write books of faith that show God's love.

***********************

Get ready ...

Visiting Author, K. Dawn Byrd

2011-09-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

Author K.Dawn Byrd has a recent e-book release that sounds like a sweet, fun read for young adults.

ABOUT MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Eden Morgan makes a list of six goals to accomplish in order to have the best summer ever. Getting a boyfriend, which is perhaps the most important goal, becomes complicated when she and her best friend, Lexi, fall for the same guy. Since Lexi is popular, gorgeous, and always gets her guy, Eden thinks she doesn't have a chance.

Channing Johnson is everything Eden's ever dreamed of and she can't believe he just moved in next door. When he starts showing interest in her, she's overjoyed...until she sees him out on a date with Lexi. He says Lexi talked him into it to repay her for tutoring him. Lexi says they're in love.

Eden doesn't know who to believe and is forced to choose between her best friend and the guy of her dreams. Nothing is as it seems and no matter who she chooses, someone will get hurt.

HERE'S A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE BOOK:
We played water volleyball until I was tired, and then we swam a while. I did some laps, glad that I'd lost at least some of the weight I'd put on during the winter. I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't realized I'd swam too close to Channing until I surfaced and found myself almost in his arms. He reached out to steady me, and I stepped forward, attempting to regain my balance.

A shiver tripped over my skin even though the night was warm. My eyes locked with his, and I found myself lost in the mossy depths. He hadn't released me, and his hands were warm on my arms.

We stood there, speechless, drinking in each other in with an odd kind of understanding, an odd feeling that all was well in the world and we were meant to be together. His touch and his gaze were so mesmerizing that I couldn't have looked away if my life depended on it.

"Channing, you ready to go?" called his mother from somewhere across the patio.

The spell was broken. I backed away, hoping our parents hadn't seen the magic that had passed between us. I wasn't sure what my parents would think about my dating a senior if Channing asked me out.

"Good night," I said, turning and diving under the water, my heart beating wildly as what passed between us seemed like a dream, a beautiful, surreal dream.

I surfaced on the other end and watched Channing retreat from the pool. He turned and waved and, just like that, the guy of my dreams, walked right out of my life.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MISTAKEN IDENTITY:

While Christian fiction is a popular genre, I think there is a bit of a hole in the Christian young adult genre, and Mistaken Identity does a great job of filling it. Not all teens want to be reading about the kind of romance you seen in books like Twilight, so this is a nice way of not only providing them with an appropriate type of romance, but really giving them something to read about the sounds a lot like the lives they live, and the struggles they face. Bravo for Mistaken Identity, and I hope we see more like this from Byrd.
---Tiffany Harkleroad

A book for parents and teenagers alike, this one deals with important issues as well as having an engaging storyline, loveable characters and enough nail biting moments to keep you rooted to the pages and wondering about the characters after the last page is turned. ---Clare Revell

LINKS:

Book Trailer

Buy the book

Desert Breeze Publishing

Learn more about K. Dawn

K. Dawn's blog

Explore Creek Country—Mississippian Period

2011-09-28T04:02:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the upcoming release of the next book in my Creek Country Saga, Warring Spirits, I decided to take a tour of ancient Creek Country and hope you'll jump on the tram. There's plenty of room on the bench, right here, next to me. :-)

***

If there’s any place my heart calls home, it’s the American Southeast. Life doesn’t get much better than sweet tea, country music, and southern hospitality. I was born on the other side of the world, but I’ll happily die right here in Georgia.

Artists impression of ceremony inside a Mississippian mound

It’s an idyllic place to live, but most of who live in the South are completely unaware of the cultures that ruled this land before us. As recently as 180 years ago, the Muskogee (Creek) Indians called "home" the land my house sits on. This was Creek Country.

Creek Country was bordered by the Cherokee to the north, the Choctaw to the west, and the Seminole to the south. For the most part, they got along relatively well, and because of their complex political and trade systems, they were considered by whites to be "civilized."

Until I began the research for my Creek Country Saga, I thought that the Five Civilized Tribes (Creek, Cherokee, Seminole, Choctaw, and Chickasaw) had ruled the Southeast since the beginning of time, but, in the grand scheme of things, these tribes are relatively new—not much older than America herself. So where did they come from and who was here before them?

Creek Country once belonged to a vast people group called the Mississippians.

Mound Builder from museum in Ocmulgee NP

There isn’t much evidence of them left, but from about 1200AD to 1700AD the Mississippians dominated this area. (Before them? The people of Woodland Period, but we won’t go there, today.) They were quite different from the more recognizable Natives of the Historic Period (1700-Removal). They built mounds (for temples, burials, dwellings), had a chiefdom society (complete with an emperor they carried around high on a litter), and set in place social inequality. I imagine them to be a less dramatic/romanticized version of the Mayans as portrayed in the movie Apocalypto. Could be I’m completely wrong on that, but it’s the way I picture them with their mounds, religious ceremonies, and maize based-agriculture.

When DeSoto toured the area in the 1540s, it was the Mississippians he encountered. And it was this contact that forever changed them. Next up in the Explore Creek Country series--Contact with the New World.

Want to learn more about the Mississippians?

Online: http://www.nps.gov/seac/outline/05-mississippian/index.htm

Suggested Outing: Twenty minutes past my house going north on I75 is the Ocmulgee National Park, an area set aside to remember the Mississippian people and preserve one of the remnants of their culture—the Ocmulgee Mounds. If you live near the Macon, Georgia area, you should visit the Ocmulgee mounds to get a thorough sense of who these people were and how they impacted the land around them. Similar mounds can be found all over the Southeast and even up into the Great Lakes region. Have a look at this map to see if you live near one of the sites.

A Summer in Oakville--Purchase today for free e-gifts!

2011-09-27T04:25:00.000-07:00

John 3:16 Marketing Network Book Launch
A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE
by Lisa Lickel and Shellie Neumeier
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Amazon
24 hours ONLY
Free e-gifts with purchase on launch day

Set in Wisconsin, A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE is the story of a family reuniting to save the rural life they once cherished. One magical summer in fictional Oakville, Wisconsin, love finds its way through four entwined lives.Tessa's marriage hangs by a thread; her daughter, Lindsay, takes on the local town board and the developer who threatens to steal not only the farm but her heart. Tessa's widowed brother Art hasn't been home in twenty years; how can he send his out-of-control teenage son, Andy, to his aging parents?

"We set out to tell the story of the changing landscape in rural Wisconsin," Lickel says. "We wanted to try something unique while using our individual strengths as authors. Shellie writes fiction for young adults, and I write older characters."

"Our family, the Hasmers, could be anyone," Neumeier says. "They want to keep their heritage, while at the same time they struggle with the changing times. It's hard to make a living on a family-sized farm, and sometimes you have to make tough decisions."

"In our story, the adult siblings, Tessa and Art, have their own problems but come together in order to help their parents and their children," Lickel adds.

"Their children, Lindsay and Andy, are good kids who are also victims of the tough economic times and peer pressure today. But they have good hearts and learn from their grandparents' and parent's good family and faith values," Neumeier says.

Shellie Neumeier

www.ShellieNeumeier.com

Best-selling author Shellie Neumeier holds a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a minor in Psychology, Sociology and Social Studies. A devoted mother of four, Shellie previously worked on staff with Northbrook Church as the King's Kids ministry assistant (serving children in grades 2nd through 5th). She is an active member of SCBWI and ACFW as well as a contributing author for various blogs.

Lisa Lickel

www.LisaLickel.com

Multi-published author Lisa J. Lickel also enjoys writing and performing radio theater, short story-writing, and is an avid book reviewer and blogger. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and working with new writers. She is the editor of both Wisconsin Writers Association's Creative Wisconsin magazine and Written World Communication's OtherSheep Magazine. She lives in a hundred and sixty-year-old house in Wisconsin filled with books and dragons. Married to a high school biology teacher, she enjoys travel and quilting.

Check out A Summer inOakville Facebook fan page

What Others Are Saying:

"A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE is a cleverly-composed novel that addresses issues from the past, affecting four characters' present-day lives. Shellie Neumeier and Lisa Lickel are a dynamic writing duo!"

--Andrea Boeshaar, author of Seasons of Redemption

"Like quills of bittersweet devotion that pierce the heart, yet warm with the matchless comfort of forgiveness-A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE is a beautifully woven series of unforgettable novellas."

--Tessa Stockton, author of The Unforgivable

"Four sweet novellas combine to tell the charming story of A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE in Oakville. Saving your heritage, forgiving the past, and uncovering years of family secrets are weaved through four very different romances to create a delightful read that I looked forward to coming back to each day. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy."

--Cherie Burbach, author of Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza and Working Writers

"You'll be hooked from the first page of A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE. This novel grabs the senses and doesn't let go."

--Carolyn Howard-Johnson, multi award-winning novelist and poet

COTT's Staff Clash Announces a Winner

2011-09-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Delia Latham for taking the crown in last week's Staff Clash. Two anonymous COTT staffers went into the ring and readers had another hard choice to make. Some said:

"This was a cruel choice!! LOL! They were both excellent."
(About Delia's excerpt): "Beautiful words expressing emotion and making the reader want more."
"Intense emotions on both excerpts! Great job!"
"Terrific excerpts!"
(About Katie's excerpt): "I need to know Wulf better! I have a feeling he's dreamy."
"Awesome clash with two well-written, emotion-packed scenes! Great job, authors!"

Of course, nobody knew at the time that those authors were Delia Latham and Katie McCurdy.
Both are recent additions to the staff. Delia has come on board as a Blog Alliance Correspondent, and Katie is the official Talent Scout. (Looks like COTT scouted some talent when they found these two gems.)
This fun excursion was a great interjection into the usual good times shared at Clash of the Titles. This week sees another fierce challenge with nameless authors nominated by COTT staff. Be sure to head over there and vote now!
And in just 2 weeks, the party begins! Mark your calendars for October 10th and be ready to play for extra prizes all month long as COTT celebrates it's first anniversary. Your vote will determine which of the year's winning authors will receive the ultimate honor: the Laurel Award.

* by Assistant Editor of COTT, Michelle Massaro

NEW BOOK CONTRACT!!

2011-09-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

That's right! On Sunday, I signed a contract for my children's chapter book!!

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang

An island occupied by Nazis makes life hazardous,

but for an adventurous nine-year-old girl bent on escape, it could be deadly.

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang is the first in the Channel Islands Resistance series and is set in 1940 Guernsey Island during the German occupation. What? You didn't know the Germans occupied British soil for five years during WWII? Frankly, I didn't either. Not until I met Ruth, a dear friend from our church in England, who lived the experience.

Ruth is a wonderful story teller and the best part? Her stories are true. Like Lizzie, the main character in my book, Ruth was nine with the Germans bombed her beautiful beach, but that was only the beginning of five long years of fear and faith.

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang is founded on Ruth's life experiences and constructed with a healthy dose of my imagination. It's the first in a series of historical adventure books geared toward children ages 9-12, and is set to release with Astraea Press November 15th. Yep, that's just seven weeks away. Got any kids on your Christmas list??

With Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home hitting Amazon on 11 November, and Warring Spirits, the sequel to Wounded Spirits, releasing 30 November, life has gotten a mite full!

To whet your appetite for Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang, here's a bit more about it:

Lizzie Browning loves nothing more than her tiny, island-home of Guernsey, but when German bombs drop on her crystal beach, her peaceful world is shattered. For months, the big war on the continent has been nothing more than stories in the paper, but as the enemy takes over Guernsey, the war rushes to her doorstep. For Lizzie, younger brother Andre, and cousin James, the time to escape is now, and they know just how to do it.

Stay tuned for more details!!

Visiting Author, Maggie Brendan

2011-09-22T04:54:00.000-07:00

It that time again! Time to feature another wonderful writer. Today, I welcome Maggie Brendan, multi-published author.

Her latest book to release (just this month) is Deeply Devoted. Here's what Library Journal has to say about it:

Instead of choosing the young lady his mother has picked for him, Peter Andersen sends to Amsterdam for a mail-order bride in this new series by Brendan (“Heart of the West” series). Catharine Olsen arrives in Cheyenne, WY, with her mother’s china and her two sisters in tow. Peter is patient not only with Catharine but with her sisters. However, as the two begin their life together on the wheat farm, Peter’s mother will go to any length to see her son’s marriage destroyed. VERDICT This novel should appeal to fans of Lori Wick who enjoy a gentle romance with a Western twist as well as those who like reading about cultural clashes.

-- LibraryJournal.com

You know how much I adore excerpts, so I asked Maggie to send me one of her favorites from the book. This is what she sent:

As the rain pelted them, she leaned forward and saw her high-top boots sinking into a muddy hole. She lost her balance and fell over on her hands and knees in the squishy street. “Ja, but not near as bad as you are going to look!” She flashed him a mischievous smile. Peter reached out his hand to assist her with an impish look on his face. She gave a hard yank, catching him off guard, and he tumbled down in a heap. Before he knew what hit him, Catharine had scooped up a handful of mud and wiped it across his nose and face. “That’ll teach you to laugh at a helpless, wet female.”
He looked at her with shock, sending them into fits of laughter. They drew themselves upright, and Catharine was laughing so hard that she leaned over, a hand to her stomach, as tears streamed down her mud-streaked face.
Peter grabbed her wrist, chuckling the entire time, and held her close to his body, mud and all, unmindful of the passersby. “It’s so good to hear your laughter. I’ve missed it.” His eyes glistened with amusement. “You look rather cute with the embellishment of mud to enhance your outfit, even if your feet are sinking!”
Catharine gazed up at him, and their eyes locked. She liked the feel of his strong arms about her. “Is that so?”
His lips curved into a broad smile, the brim of his hat dripping water down her shoulder. “I have just the cure for being splattered with mud on a rainy night.” His eyes teased her, and he leaned down to kiss her. “A nice hot bath where we can both peel off these wet things and soak to our hearts’ content. What do you say? Shall we get out of this rain?”
Catharine’s answer was a slow, lingering kiss while they stood in a tight embrace, ignoring the rain. A harrumph came from a person walking by, and they slowly pulled apart. Peter grabbed her hand tightly, and laughing and gasping for breath, they sprinted the rest of the way to the hotel.

Here's a peak at Maggie's fan mail:

"I read "Deeply Devoted" today - the whole book. Once I started, I could not put it down. You are very talented with your writing. I thank you personally for taking me away from my everyday mundane to a delightful day. You employ some really descriptive and metaphoric language which I love.

I felt your intimacy with God weaved throughout the book. You really showed how the love between Peter and Cath was founded by their faith in God and his purpose for them and others in their lives and how love endured through the strength of their faith. I really try to live, myself, by the message in the pastor's sermon that we should do everything as though we are doing it for God - that is so true and helps so much in life as to how we treat people and approach our journey in life."

When I asked Maggie what goal she has achieved that she is most proud of, this is what she said:

Living my dream of writing is what I'm most proud of. I never thought that a desire I had to write in elementary school would ever become a reality. I have to pinch myself every time I see my books and it’s so exciting to know that readers enjoy something that I wrote. Incredible! It was only through His power that I was able to accomplish this goal. It is my offering.

Congratulations, Maggie! You did it!! And according to your fans, you did it well.

All this month, another of Maggie's books No Place for a Lady, is available free on Amazon and Nook.

To learn more about Maggie and her books, visit her at her websites: