It's a Party!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo credit Free Digital Photos.net

Are you ready to CELEBRATE?? I've been ready since I was BORN. 

(haha, bad birthday joke, I know...)

There is no way I could throw a party just for me. Oh no, this celebration is ONLY an excuse to throw a party for some super special people in my world. I've been wanting to throw a party to celebrate the success of some fabulous authors for some time and NOW I FINALLY GET TO!!!!

Photo credit: Free Digital Photos.net

So get comfortable. Have a slice of cake...

Blow out a candle! Lick that frosting and settle in for a fun day...

(be sure to read the bonus fun at the bottom!)

Oh.

My.

Goodness.

If you have NOT read any of the novels pictured below, you are sorely missing out. 

BONUS PRIZE!!

Thank you to MaryLu who has offered an ADDITIONAL prize to giving away Veil of Pearls.

Check it out on Amazon!

Keli, Olivia, Dani, MaryLu, Katie and Beth are SUPER ladies and authors.

Women who ALL have released a new book in 2012. 

Photo credit: Free Digital Photos.net

What BETTER way I ask you, to celebrate my birthday, then to celebrate these fabulous authors?

They seriously make my literary world that much brighter. I would be a sad and lost reader without fiction that stands up and stands OUT.

All have promised to stop in today as they can and visit with YOU! So rest assured your questions will be answered and the party will be that much more fun. In short: this day is going to be  BLAST!

Several things you need to be aware of:

This party ONLY LASTS 24 HOURS.

The winners will be announced tomorrow, July 15th (my actual b'day ;-)
You have from midnight July 14th until twelve noon on July 15th to enter. :-)

Want extra entries?

The more comments you leave...the more entries you get!

Photo credit: Free Digital Photos.net

A word to the wise: one letter comments or one word comments do not count. (Seekerville flashback--I know certain friends will laugh at this. ;-)

SO here's an excuse to keep stopping by and commenting!

Throughout the day I'll be posting TRIVIA and QUESTIONS and NEW RELEASES for our authors, for you to answer in the comment section. It could have to do about the author. Their books. Or even...me!

It'll be COMPLETELY RANDOM, so stop by often. Remember, the more you comment, the more entries you get! I'll be removing comment moderation so your comments should pop up immediately. 

The Prizes!

Each of these super-duper authors have promised a copy of their book to win! Even if you own a copy already, I bet you know someone who loves to read as much as you do! 

For four of these authors, the party is belated--May being the original party month. Better later than never!

For KELI the party is a perfect time as her debut novel released JULY 1ST!!

And MaryLu...I never need an excuse to celebrate a coming release from her!

Wooo-hooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Photo credit: Free Digital Photos.net

Let's get this party STARTED!

Celebratory Congrats

to these AWESOME authors!!










The winner of the RSVP pre-party prize is...
Kara Grant!! 


Thanks for RSVP'ing everyone!! There were 116 RSVP's. WOW!! :D


Our first FUN posting for today is brought to you by Beth!
Beth, you make my world TEN TIMES brighter. I'm so blessed for know you. :D






Coming Novel Feature!!

Readers who fell in love with Robin Price in Wildflowers from Winter
 will be in for a treat as Robin takes center stage.
Can she let go of her past before it paralyzes her future?
Will she trust that we worship a God of second chances? 

If you are anything like me and LOVED Katie's debut novel then you are just as excited as I am for this coming release. Wishing the release date wasn't so far in advance!


Coming Novel Feature!!

Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef,
 has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years.
But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood.

Talk about a teaser! If you read Dani's debut novel  then you probably saw the subplot love story between Piper and Landon. Be still my heart, Dani, you did a FANTASTIC job of teasing us with their story. I am literally so anxious and eager for book #2.


Coming Novel Feature!!

Annie Friesen, a software creator, needs to protect her intellectual property from her scheming partner.
After escaping the threat in Colorado Springs,
she runs straight into the hospitality of an Amish family in San Luis Valley.
When Annie discovers her own ancestral connection
to the plain people, her worlds collide. 

I've been shying away from more and more Amish books, because it seems to be a full genre, but I say that this one has my attention. What a unique premise; I love that about it! Release date is October! 




Coming Novel Feature!!

Charlotte Farrow, maid in the wealthy Banning household on Chicago’s opulent Prairie Avenue,
 has kept her baby boy a secret from her employers for nearly a year.
But when the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him,
Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal
or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the mysterious child’s fate.

Look at this fun surprise two of my dear friend's kids put together for me!! Pepper Basham...YOU ROCK!












First Trivia Question:
(all the trivia questions will stay on the blog, so you have the option to continue answering through the day)

Photo credit: Free Digital Photos.net

**You may look up answers if you don't know**


What is the name of the 10 year old little girl in Keli Gwyn's debut novel?


Second Trivia Question:
**You may look up answers if you don't know**
Who is the secondary love interest between in Dani Pettrey's debut novel?


Third Trivia Question:
**You may look up answers if you don't know**
What was the name of MaryLu's first trilogy of books?


Fourth Trivia Question:
**You may look up answers if you don't know**
What is the name of the book store in Estes Parks that Allison likes to visit in Beth's debut novel?



Fifth Trivia Question:
**You may look up answers if you don't know**
Name the novel! Which novel featured above does this line come from: 
He’d bungled things again, had he? It wasn’t like him to tickle his tonsils with his toes. 



Sixth AND FINAL Trivia Question:
**You may look up answers if you don't know**
How old will I be tomorrow, July 15th (my actual birthday? ;-)


FYI: Blogger is having a hard time keeping up with us, so comments aren't showing up immediately. Don't worry, they are eventually coming through. We've been a busy group today!


Also, though the trivia questions are done, the party will last until noon pacific time July 15th. So keep partying on!! :D

Route 66 to the Christy Awards!

I LOVE celebrating excellence in Christian fiction. Thus it stands to reason I love the Christy Awards. ;-)


And they are ALMOST HERE!! While I've never attended the actual award ceremony (definitely on my bucket list), I've sat in on the live feed they broadcast from a desk right in the thick of the action. Suh-weet!!


This year Rachel Hauck is the guest commentator and I know she's going to be hooting and hollering for Susan May Warren when she wins the Christy Award. (Yes, let's just face it, I want this book to win. It's sooooo good!)

This novel made my best of 2011 list at the VERY top and is one of those books I never, ever, ever wanted to end. I wasn't a bit surprised when I saw it made the list. 

Susie has the ability to craft characters that literally LEAP from the page. I could totally see this book as Hallmark movie, it has so much depth to draw from. I think it's her best to date.

Gina Holmes writes the kind of books I want to write someday. That serious edge that keeps me invested in the characters and cheering for their happy ending. Strong edge of women's fiction and I'm just SO thrilled that Gina has been nominated for the second book in a row! Pretty awesome!!

Ginny Yttrup is someone I would love to meet in person. I honestly did not think I would like her debut novel when I picked it up. Um...(no pun intended), I ATE those words. I've heard many reviews state she isn't afraid to delve into the tough and gritty, but does so with incredibly grace and finesse. Amen! I'm looking forward to discovering her second novel. 

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I've got to admit I'm biased and I hope these are the titles that win. We won't know until July 16th! There are other books on the list I've read and would cheer if they won, but my post would go on and on and on if I posted on every single on. And I'm not as creative as Melissa Tagg to do a vlog post about each one. ;-)

So check out the list and BE SURE to join the live video presentation. You can even ask for a reminder day or or before. Hope I can make it too!

Contemporary Romance

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing)

Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas 

The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Harvest House Publishers)

Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen (B&H Publishing Group)

The Touch by Randall Wallace (Tyndale House Publishers)

Contemporary Standalone

Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)

First Novel

An Eye for Glory by Karl Bacon (Zondervan)

Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola (Barbour Publishing)

Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)

Historical

Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman (Tyndale House Publishers)

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

To Die For by Sandra Byrd (Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster)

Suspense

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing Group)

Pattern of Wounds by Mark Bertrand (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Queen by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Visionary

The Chair by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing Group)

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group USA)

Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Young Adult

How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn (Kregel Publications)

Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (David C Cook)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So, of course,  I want to know which title you want to see win! No rotten tomatoes fights, please...

**Oh, btw...I've been interviewed! You can check it all out at Aizess's ritzy book blog. Thanks!**

It's a Party!!! RSVP HERE!!!

Woo-hoooooo!!!!

You know what the next best thing to having a birthday is? Celebrating with some pretty awesome people!

Now, I don't usually chat up my birthday on my blog...but this year is a wee bit different.

I have some AWESOME author friends who have released debut novels this year. Four in May and one this month! Then I've got a favorite author who has just released another novel.

What BETTER way to spend my birthday partying then to THROW A PARTY for all these authors at the same time?!

I supply the cake, punch and streamers.

THEY supply the books and prizes.

Who else do we need...

Oh that's RIGHT.

YOU!!

Take just a couple seconds to RSVP for my party in the form below. Why? Well, because I want you to remember to actually COME. ;-)

But also because it's my first time using Google Docs for a contest and I'm giving away a pre-party prize to those who RSVP.

ALSO, please take the BUTTON below. 





<center><a href="http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src=" http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz97/WriterforChrist_photos/bb3.jpg" /></a></center>
(btw: I do realize the button has a typo. I went to fix it and found out I can't...it came that way and making a new button just wasn't working for me. Take it or leave it if the typo bothers you. Thanks! ;-)

We are going to have a party BLOWOUT on July 14th and the winners will be announced on July 15th (my actual birthday), so the contest ONLY LASTS ONE DAY.

You will NOT want to miss this!!!

I'm SUPER EXCITED and it's ALMOST HERE, so mark those calendars and let the FUN BEGIN!!!

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond ~ Review

At the prologue, I couldn’t help having sympathy for this main character. Being spurned by the guy who has made you think he wants to marry you in front of hundreds of people? People that all knew he was sure serious about our heroine. Yeah, I cringed more than a little bit for the poor woman.

            

After being “left at the altar”, Sophia is determined to do something that will give her something…and hopefully get her back to her homeland. Being a teacher to Indians wasn’t really her plan. Watching her change from the inside out, was a beautiful sight in this character. I loved that she took on their plight and fought for it like it was her own.

          

  I will admit I did not like the book near as much as I expected. The plot seemed lost many times and the romance weak amongst the background of the main story of protecting and providing for the Indians. I couldn’t truly identify with the characters, though I loved Sophia’s determination and heart. It just all seemed too much and too…lost.

           

That isn’t to say there aren’t good qualities to the story. Will is a charming character and a great hero. I wish I could have gotten to know him a bit better. The ending was a happy one and the preacher was good at making me dislike him. ;-)

           

All in all, not my favorite yes, but enjoyable qualities still to the story.

          

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

More about the novel...

Sophia has her life all planned out-but her plan didn't include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.

Sophia Makinoff is certain 1876 is the year that she'll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.


With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she's being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can't even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she'll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known-and never expected-and ignites in her a passion for the people she's sent to serve.


It's a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When US policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

Giveaway! Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis!

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

I’m a natural blonde who once dyed her hair black. Now I’m a natural gray who dyes her hair blond. (Are we ever happy with our hair?)

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

I love to read Amish fiction and historical fiction set in the US, since I write in those genres. I also love Victorian English historicals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance.

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

Never think you’re finished with a manuscript until you press the send button. I’m always tweaking and improving my story right up until my deadline.

5 things you love?

other than the Lord, I love:

1)      my college sweetheart and hubby of 38 years

2)      my 3-acre yard of woods, wildflowers (aka weeds), two ravines, one stream, one spring and a hundred-year-old barn

3)      eating out (after 38 years I’m tired of cooking.)

4)      being close to water (okay, even a toddler’s wading pool will do)

5)      corn (popcorn, sweet corn, corn bread, whatever)

What novel have you recently read that has stood out to you that both teens and adults will find enjoyment in?

I just finished The Believer by Ann H. Gabhart. What a fabulous story about faith and forgiveness set in this little-known Christian sect.

 

Places for readers to learn more about you?

I love it if readers dropped by my website: www.maryellis.net and signed up for my newsletter. I’ll be giving away 10 free copies of Living in Harmony to subscribers in August. I can also be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

Thank you for being with us today!

Thank you, Casey!!

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Mary's latest release!

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 July 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 


Note: This novel has not yet released, but is currently available on CBD.com and will be officially available on August 1st!

Not Settling ~ Series Conclusion

Before I conclude the post series I wanted to thank my special guests this month...


Beth Vogt
Gracy Howard
Ashley Clark and
Laura Frantz

You can read their posts, watch a video I did on purity and find the other posts on similar topics I've done for my blog on my Committed to Purity page.


It can seem easy to accept what we think is right for our lives, doesn't it? It takes more effort to say "yes" then it does to say "no". But living with the consequences of both can prove life-altering. 


I hope in this series of posts that you have been encouraged. Uplifted. Motivated. Human beings are not illustrations in perfection. I don't want you to come away from this series, believing as single young women, you must find the perfect man, one with no blemishes or chinks in the armor. 


No. What I hope you've come away with, is a renewed sense of God's perfect timing. God's perfect will in our lives. When we give our dreams over to God, we are then released to enjoy the many gifts His peace offers us. 


Sometimes our "perfect" is not found in the person we think it should be found in. Like Samuel as he stood before the man he was sure was God's chosen, our best is often found in the least expected. 


But joy comes in the knowing we are right where God wants us to be. It might be waiting longer. It might be giving up a desire we are clinging to with an iron grasp. But it is never settling. It's being secure in who we are as daughters of God. 


Embrace your daughterhood. Love this time. Grow in your relationship with Christ. And trust Him in the direction of your future. 


And...never settle.


Please feel free to share YOUR stories! I'd love to hear how God has blessed your waiting. Feel free to email me: caseym.writer(@)gmail(.)com


Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The winners of Never the Bride or Praying for Your Future Husband or one copy I have of  Beth Vogt's Wish You Were Here are...

Rachel

Megan

Ganise

Julia

Emma

(Emma and Ganise, I don't have an email for you. Please shoot me one at the address above, okay?)

Thank you so much for participating this month. I'm thankful for each and everyone of you!

A Rich Tapestry of Story ~ Love Finds You in New Orleans, Louisiana by Christ Allan ~ Review

"Love Finds You in New Orleans, Louisiana" has one of those love stories that charmed its way into my heart.
            

Set in a period and history of setting that is rich in culture, both of the main characters have much going against them. It's a time corroded with prejudice and bad feelings just because someone has a different color skin.

           

The research is thick and rich through the entire story. The city and all its richness definitely became a character. I especially enjoyed how the backstory of the characters were woven through their present lives. Giving little teases and tidbits before the surprise ending.
            

At times the romance literally felt as though it could not succeed. That is so hard to make feel real in a romance and through the entire story I was kept wondering and guessing.            There were a few "little" things that distracted me from the story. Most of the chapter breaks or endings, felt a bit abrupt and at times the story felt lost in all the secondary details.

          

  Over all I enjoyed this novel. It has that great blend of mystery, likeable characters, and a romance that actually led me to believe it might not succeed. Love triangles and corrupt lives hurting our hero and heroine. A rich tapestry of story.

           

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 

More about the novel...

Unlocking the past could open the door to a new future. 

Ever since her parents died of yellow fever when she was two years old, Adelaide LeClerc has lived with her grandparents, who rarely speak of their son and his wife. They are on the verge of negotiating a contract with a suitor, a man Adelaide dreads, when they discover that she enjoys the company of Etienne Girod, a young Creole man. 

Adelaide's future hangs in the balance as her grandparents consider whether to stop keeping secrets and reveal the truth that they've known since before Adelaide's birth, a truth that will make the difference between a life of obligation and a life of choice for Adelaide.