SPECIAL POST!! Giveaway! Sanctuary for a Lady by Naomi Rawlings

Welcome to Writing for Christ Naomi Rawlings, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

Oh, I’ve got a great one. I play the harp. Yep, really. The harp.

Okay, it’s not that I play the harp so much as I know how to play one, and yes, I own one too. But I haven’t played much over the past few years as I’ve started writing more. The last time I played was for my cousin’s wedding in 2010.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

Romance. Romance. Historical Romance, and um, more Romance. I rarely find myself finishing a book that isn’t a romance novel. I have all these good intentions, like “I should read The Help or Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or The Marriage Plot or some other bestselling book by some famous author. So I’ll get the book and read about the first 50 pages before I see some romance novel on sale and get distracted by a love story.

As far as writing romances goes, I don’t ever see myself writing a book without a romantic thread of some sort in it or getting tired of writing romances. Human love is rooted in God’s love. And God’s love is so rich and deep, with endless facets and dimensions. As a writer, I see myself exploring the theme of “love” for a very long time.

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

I don’t know that I’m brilliant enough to come up with a single “nugget” like that, but I will say the two books that have helped me the most are Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook and The Moral Premise. I’d recommend every writer nearing publication read both of those. Personally, I follow the steps laid out at the end of The Moral Premise. Then once I’ve solidified where my story is going and why, I go back through the Breakout Novel Workbook and apply some of the exercises in there to make sure my story has things like characters with gripping inner conflict and a plot that keeps escalating.

5 things you love?

My husband.

My kids.

Reading a book . . .

      at night . . .

      while I’m sitting by our woodstove . . .

      and drinking hot chocolate . . .

      and it’s snowing outside, those big fluffy flakes that slowly drift to the ground and blanket everything in white.

Okay, that’s seven things, but it makes a cozy picture, doesn’t it?

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

I’m too new to the publishing world to say for certain, but so far, holding my book in my hands for the first time has probably been my favorite moment.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

My website: www.naomirawlings.com

My facebook page, which I keep up to date on giveaways, my blog, and funny writing facts. http://www.facebook.com/author.naomirawlings

My blog: www.makinghomeworkblog.blogspot.com  My blog is an interesting combination of home-life, writing, and mothering. A lot of moms seem to find it encouraging.

Actually, if you want to read about how I messed up that great first moment where I should have been holding my published novel in my hand but wasn’t, I have a fun blog post about that. http://makinghomeworkblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/unforgetable-moments-perfect-or-bungled.html

Thank you for being with us today!

Thanks for having me, Casey. It was fun to be here!

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Naomi's DEBUT novel!

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on April 27th.

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

Giggle Worthy Delight ~ Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker ~ Review

There is something about the “Emma Rae” collection of fiction novels that makes me smile, giggle and upon the close of that last page, give just a tiny sigh delight and comfort…like enjoying a yummy plate of your favorite desert. Decadent, with just the right amount of fluff and sweet.

            Oh there isn’t much to worry about, but having an old fashioned good time with this latest installment in the Emma Rae collection. Audrey is such a loveable, quirky character and one that you just can’t help but cheer for. A totally loveable ensemble of characters, including a little girl in pink cowgirl books put a smile on my face and joy in the moment spent reading their story.

            I would definitely advise the reader to pick up the previous two novels in this collection. Just as much a hoot (though the first remains my fav), you will be better able to track the large ensemble cast. There were times I thought the cast a bit too large, but as the book continued, I separated them better.

            More than one yummy kiss, some tasty entrees, gorgeous wedding gowns and a quirky, light read, it’s a chick lit/romantic comedy I’d definitely point readers toward.

            This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.

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More about the novel and author...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Always The Designer, Never The Bride Abingdon Press (April 2012) by Sandra D. Bricker


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.


The Big 5-OH! was released by Abingdon Press in the Spring of 2010, and the novel was very well-received, garnering a couple of nibbles from Hollywood.


Always the Baker, Never the Bride was released by Abingdon Press in September 2010. With its phenomenal reviews, the novel spawned a series of three more books based on the popular cast of characters at The Tanglewood Inn, a wedding destination hotel in historic Roswell, Georgia. The series cemented Sandie's spot in publishing as a flagship author of Laugh-Out-Loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.


"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"


ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s taken Audrey Regan years to establish herself as a wedding dress designer, and to date she’s been roped into creating dresses for nine of her girlfriends. Request #10 follows her vow to “Just say no!” and comes from her very best friend. She can hardly turn Carly down!


Audrey arrives in Atlanta early to perform all of her maid-of-honor duties along with final fittings for a one-of-a-kind dress. But Carly’s wedding is nothing short of an event, complete with Prince Charming, and the festivities make Audrey question whether there’s a prince of her own anywhere in her future.


Enter the groom’s brother and best man. Shaggy-haired, tattooed bad boy J.R. Hunt couldn’t be any more different from Prince Charming if he rode in on a Harley Davidson. Oh, wait. He actually did ride in on a Harley!


If you would like to read an excerpt of the first chapter of Always The Designer, Never The Bride, go HERE.

Giveaway! A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island by Cara Putman

Welcome to Writing for Christ Cara Putman, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

Here’s a fun one. In the fall of 2010 I attended the FBI Citizens Academy in Indianapolis. It was a GREAT way to learn more about the FBI. We even had a day that our families could come and go to the range. My husband had a blast trying different weapons. I couldn’t though because I was pregnant with our youngest. Someday.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

I love a good historical romance or a strong romantic suspense/thriller. It’s rare that I find a straight romance that I can really dive into. Instead, I long for a book that has a fresh layer. It might be learning about a new time period and era. Or it might take the form of trying to figure out who’s behind everything before the author reveals the bad guy.

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

Something that’s transformed the way I write? Hmmm….Michael Hague has a format he recommends for writing out the backcover blub. Using that has really helped me hone in on what a story is truly about. It helps me peel back all the layers I can envision and distill the essence of the story.

5 things you love?

1)      My husband…say it with me…ahhhh.

2)      My kiddos. I adore them!

3)      A really great book.

4)      God with a  passion I pray never diminishes

5)      Teaching people. I love watching the lightbulb go off.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

I love interacting with readers…especially when a story hits them in a place they’ve lived. There’s something so humbling about learning how God has used a story, characters and words I crafted to change a life or bring encouragement to someone. That’s when I remember writing really is a ministry.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

I’m all over the web. I’d love for your readers to come interact with me at any of these places: Links:

Website: http://www.caraputman.com

Blog: http://blog.caraputman.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/caraputman

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cara_putman

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caraputman

Thank you for being with us today!

Thanks so much for having me, Casey!

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and romance to life.
 
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Mason University School of Law, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.  

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey.

A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island.

Attorney Alanna Stone vowed long ago to avoid Mackinac Island. Although it may seem the perfect place to heal, for Alanna it holds too many memories of a painful past.

But an exhausting high profile case and an urgent plea from her parents have brought Alanna home. Moving into the house next to Jonathan Covington doesn’t help her. Jonathan may have been her first love, but he was also her first lesson in betrayal. Now Alanna must protect her privacy and her heart. Then Secrets and a murder intersect, and she’s thrust into controversy again as tragedy turns public opinion against her and potentially her family.

For years, Jonathan has stubbornly resisted the urging of his family and friends to date, believing he’s already found the perfect woman. With Alanna’s return, he begins to wonder if he’s waited too long for someone who isn’t the right one after all.

 Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Cara's latest book!

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.


Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on April 20th.

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

Promises So Much and Fulfills Every One ~ The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck ~ Review

“The Wedding Dress” belongs in a league completely its own, with a tapestry of love stories that will, as the cover endorsement so perfectly stated “leave you breathless.”

            I was easily impressed with this novel. Four women. Four generations. Four love stories. One dress. The story has a tinge of the ethereal, but what’s the point of fiction if you can’t enjoy the chance to make a story capture the light of the impossible?

            With four stories to weave into one, I thought parts of the plot would feel lacking, but quite the contrary. I wanted to spend more time with these characters, but not because I felt I needed to know them better, but because they become a close part of my life in such a short time.

            I loved the little quirks of dialogue, character depth and portrayal and the seamless weaving of all these stories as though one large and gorgeous tapestry.

            Being a hopeless romantic, the thought of one dress, always fitting the bride with no altering left me just a bit light in the chest. But it was the stories of these woman that moved my heart. I can’t explain it much beyond that, because there was so much to love about this book. But the story trumps all.

            “The Wedding Dress” holds a promise, both the dress and the novel. And one that will find a most fitting place on my keeper shelf. No altering required.

            This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.

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More about the novel, author and contest info!

One dress. Four women. An amazing destiny.

Charlotte Malone is getting married. Yet all is not settled in the heart of Birmingham's chic bridal boutique owner. Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown before her.

Emily in 1912. Mary in 1939. And Hillary in 1968. Each woman teaches Charlotte something about love in her own unique way. Woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of faith, and the beauty of finding true love. 

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Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner Sweet Caroline, and RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle, and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, The Songbird Novels.

She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets.

Rachel earned a degree in Journalism form Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor. Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com to reader her blog, and to follow her on Facebook and Twitter. 

What is "true" beauty? Join the conversation at Rachel's Author Chat Party Event Page. On the eventing of 4/19 we'll gather to talk about inner and outer beauty and share moments of beauty in our lives.


In the meantime, celebrate with Rachel by entering her True Beauty Giveaway!

One "beautiful" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
• The Wedding Dress (by Rachel Hauck)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/18/12. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "True Beauty" Facebook Party on  4/19. Rachel will be hosting an evening of beauty (inner/outer) chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Rachel via Skype.)


So grab a few of your friends and your copy of The Wedding Dress and join Rachel on the evening of April 19th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

Friends, Panera, Katie Ganshert, and One Special Novel...

How often do we think about the friends God has given us in our lives? As I've gotten older and seen friends come and go with the ebb of time, I've come to appreciate the ones I have now all the more closely.


I seem to do a much better job of friendship through a computer or letters than I do in person. Maybe because all my friendships have been a less-than instant connection. Which is why I think I probably had a draw with Bethany in Katie Ganshert's debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter. 


Friendship remains a theme throughout Katie's book and one so many of us can relate too, wouldn't you agree? 

Because no matter what, we all have had at least one dear and good friend that has changed our world completely for the better. And maybe you've been blessed with more than one. I believe I have.


Thus the reason for my post today. I want to introduce you to a friend. You probably have heard of her. You might have read her blog. But I'm so thrilled to introduce you to her today. And with the wonders of modern technology, I have that chance below. I won't make this a long post, because I'd love if you were to join in the conversation below. (keep reading and watching... ;-)












Can I make a confession?


I had never heard of Panera until I started Tweeting. Literally, I'm not trying to be funny. And thus this phenomenon started that has lasted like Starbucks (and makes me hungry in the process. ;-)


Oh, I have one other comment for you. Katie's debut novel? We want to give it to one of my readers today. A beautiful ARC for a commenter today, so be sure and answer Katie's question and remember the wonderful friends you have blessed with!


Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.


**Winner will be announced next Friday**

Friday's note!

The winner of JoAnn Durgin's Twin Hearts is...

Sheri Salatin! 

Be watching your email. ;-)

Pulse-Pounding! ~ Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert ~ Review

         

From the medical details, to the romance, to the romantic balcony dinner and even the skies for a quick dive, this book packs more than one wallop.

           

Sooo smooth – the only word I can think of to describe the writing. There isn’t a single stuttering moment, the story uber-comfortable to slip into and hard to leave.

           

Jack is the quintessential rugged hero. Not afraid to tackle any challenge, determined to climb any mountain that gets in his way, he’s the character that is driven and in turn drives.

           

To watch the romance between Jack and Riley is a wonderful thing. Riley in her cautiousness and fears, but with strength to her core, just begging to be discovered. Opposites that bring out the good in the other.

            

I wanted Riley to see her dream realized, she longed to get back into the ER so badly, but sometimes where we are is right where God wants us to be.

            

Having a part-time job in the medical field, I had to smile at the new details I now know and can appreciate, but don’t let that “scare” the unknown from such a novel topic. It’s written in such a way (again, gotta go back to *smooth*) that the reader is smack in the middle of the action.

            

Being a lover of those ER scenes, I wanted a few more, but top to bottom the novel is a great one. Secondary characters that I look forward to seeing again in coming novels, plot that is thick with layers and main characters that rise to every challenge. Again…smooth.

           

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Netgalley for my advance copy to review.

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More about the novel...

Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she's competent when the hospital won't let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.

Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he's commander of the Alamo. He'll fight the community's efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale's influential family name to make it happen.As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion--and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack's rough exterior is a man she can believe in. 

But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it's dangerous to trust him with her heart.

Giveaway! Promised to Another by Laura V. Hilton

Welcome back, Laura V. Hilton! Since this is the third time for you to visit, I thought I would throw in some fun questions, maybe some that aren’t part of the norm in other interviews. J

If you could go anywhere on vacation where would it be?  

I would love to go to the upper peninsula of Michigan – I love Lake Superior and the lighthouses- and even some of the small towns up there. Oh, and all the waterfalls.  I’d also love to visit Holland in the lower peninsula.  If I could go overseas, I’d like to see Big Ben in London, the windmills in The Netherlands, and other places in Europe.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, we have a Siberian Husky named Nanook.

Your favorite book that you have written?  

I loved them all, really. Jacob and Bex had a lot of hurt to work through in Patchwork Dreams.  A Harvest of Hearts because Shanna and Matthew were just dears. Then I fell in love with Josh and Annie in Promised to Another.

What is your favorite pastime? 

Spending time with my family

Favorite book? 

Oh, that is hard to answer. I have so many favorites.  And so many favorite authors.  I have enough books around here to start my own library. And I love introducing my children to books. They love to read as much as I do.

Favorite movie? 

Probably The Sound of Music.

What people have inspired you in your writing journey? 

My agent comes to mind. She’s real encouraging.  And certain members of my critique groups really are awesome.  And my best friend. She’s my biggest fan. Oh, and my husband.  He is so supportive of my writing.

What character in a novel you have read has stood out and seemed to stand the test of time? 

This is another one that is hard to answer.  I can remember books from my childhood (Heidi or Little Women) and characters I’ve read more recently…

If you could meet one person from history who would it be and why? 

Ruth, I think. I’d like to hear how she really felt about Boaz. Was she scared? Excited? Did she love him when they married or did love come later….

Okay, last one and a fun one for our readers today: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing, what would it be? Why? 

My Bible.  Because I think I would need it. 

Too fun, thanks for joining us for a third time!! It is a privilege. J

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Laura's latest book!

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.


Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on April 13th.

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com