Giveaway! Healing Love by Laura V. Hilton!

Welcome back, Laura Hilton! Your titles are always some of my more popular giveaways. Why write Amish?

Why not?  I love everything about the Amish. I love their “simpler”, quieter lifestyle, the peace they exude and it is fun creating contemporary stories about them. Also, my family (maternal) came from the Amish, so I am kind of discovering my roots.

Have you visited Amish country? 

I live in Amish country. There is a small district within miles of my home and I interact with them regularly.  I also go up to the communities in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana on a regular basis. It is interesting seeing the differences.

 

What’s the best part of the creative process for you? 

The discovery. I don’t plot, and so I discover a story just like a reader does.  I mean, I’m not total “seat of the pants” I do have some general idea, at least a paragraph of the story, but getting from point A to point B is a voyage of discovery.

If you could write any other genre, what would it be and why? 

Contemporary romance.  I enjoy all genres but I feel out of my element with some. I don’t think I could write a suspense unless I plotted it all out in advance, and some take a lot of research, more than driving into the Amish community and asking questions. 

Of all the characters you’ve written now for your books, which one did you find the most of yourself hidden within the pages? 

I’m not any of the characters I wrote.  I am quiet and shy, like Becky, in Patchwork Dreams, but I’m also a teacher like Annie (I homeschool), in Promised to Another, strong willed like Shanna, in A Harvest of Hearts, and interested in herbal medicine and midwifery like Kristi in Healing Love.  I had most of my children at home with a midwife.  

Thanks for being with us again. Great to have you!  

Thanks for having me! 

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Laura's 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 October 5th.

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 

Oh I'm Hooked ~ A Heartbeat Away by Dr. Harry Kraus ~ Review

I’m hooked.

          

  I almost didn’t request this title when it came up for review, but something about the plot had me coming back…and let me just say now: in absolutely no way was I disappointed.

            

In a brand new novel straight from the pen of a medical doctor, comes the thrills of a mystery centered around a woman’s new heart transplant…and the memories that have arrived with it.

           

The style in which this novel was written was different for me. I almost expected it to keep me, as the reader, at a distance, but instead I had the exact opposite invitation. The characters are fascinating, the plot gripping and the twines of mystery that braid the story together kept me turning pages as quickly as I could read.

          

  I fully expected to dislike the heroine Tori, every other character in the book did, so why should I? But she quickly became the character to love. When strange and mysterious things start happening to her, each one ties into the plot in a larger manner, until I was so taken with solving this mystery I didn’t want to stop reading.

           

There wasn’t a single angle of the story I didn’t enjoy. A taste of romance…more than layer of well thought out suspense and characters that ultimately change…combinations of a great novel.

            

I’m a new fan. Can’t say it better than this: hooked.

           

This review is my honest opinion. My copy was a free ebook as the review copy from the publishers didn’t happen to arrive in time and I was too eager to wait. ;-)

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More about the novel and author...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Heartbeat Away David C. Cook (September 1, 2012) by Harry Kraus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Harry:

I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When a brilliant surgeon undergoes a heart transplant, her life transforms as she begins experiencing memories of a murder she never witnessed.

The residents worship her. Nurses step out of her way. Her colleagues respect and sometimes even fear her. But surgeon Tori Taylor never expected to end up on this side of the operating table.

Now she has a new heart. This life that was formerly controlled and predictable is now chaotic. Dr. Taylor had famously protected herself from love or commitment, but her walls are beginning to crumble.

And strangest of all, memories surface that will take her on a journey out of the operating room and into a murder investigation.

Where there once was a heart of stone, there is a heart of flesh. And there is no going back.


If you'd like to read the first chapter excerpt of A Heartbeat Away, go HERE.

Special Giveaway! Hidden in the Heart by Cathy West!

Welcome back to Writing for Christ Cathy West, I am excited to have you here for a second time. :-)

What has changed in your writing life since you were last here?

Well, let’s see. The biggest news is that we celebrated our daughter’s engagement in May! She is marrying the man of her dreams, handpicked by God, and we couldn’t be happier! A May 2013 wedding is planned. In other news, which you’ll probably find more interesting…J…I’m also celebrating the release of my second novel, Hidden in the Heart! This story is very special to me, as it is about a young woman’s search for her birth family, and is loosely based on my own experiences as I searched and found my birth family over ten years ago.

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

Wow. Toughie. I’d have to say Julie Cantrell’s Into The Free. It was pretty outstanding and I’m not at all surprised it did so well. I really enjoyed her writing and can’t wait to read the next book. She’s also a pretty awesome person!

Do you have favorite authors?

I do. All my friends!! Well, okay…seriously, I love Susan Meissner and I’ll read any book of hers any time. Same with Susan May Warren. I blame her for my recent conversion to joining the Historical Romance fan club! I enjoy Rosslyn Elliott, Olivia Newport, Jody Hedlund to name a few. Of course there’s Lynn Austin, Dan Walsh, Deborah Raney, Julie Lessman…I could go on for hours really!

What do you find the most enjoyable part of writing or connecting with readers?

When I’m ‘in the zone’ without distractions, totally into the story and the characters, that’s when the magic happens. I find my characters suddenly take on a life of their own and off they go, sometimes surprising me with what they say or do. Unfortunately this doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, I bask in it.

I LOVE to hear from my readers. It’s so important to me to know that I’ve made a connection with someone through the words I’ve written. All my stories deal with forgiveness, healing, restoration and hope. If I hear that a reader has experienced even one of these as a result of my book, I’m so blessed. It’s why I do what I do.

What do you find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings? :-)

I’m definitely NOT a coffee shop writer. I’m way too distracted for that kind of atmosphere. I prefer the quiet of my study, sometimes with music playing, most often not. I’m fortunate to have a spectacular view of the ocean, which I enjoy when I need to just stop and think about what I’m doing. I am spoiled by my surroundings, that’s for sure!

Okay, something fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of time?

Oh, wow. I’m not sure I’ve ever done that!! I’m a pretty fast writer though, so I can pop out a book in a few months, but then I take a long time with the editing process. As much as I’d like that first draft to be perfect, it never is. :-)

Thanks for being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels. 

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

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

Isn't this little girl ADORABLE??? I want
to sit and stare at her. ;-)

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 October 5th.

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 

Captivating Historical Drama ~ Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

A thrilling historical drama by a bestselling author and a fabulous storyteller.

            

“Unending Devotion” is the latest from the pen of a talented author. I found the story unique from her previous two titles in that the themes were almost a bit…darker. But I actually liked the mood of the story. It broods below the surface as Lily fights to save her sister from prostitution.

          

  Lily is a determined heroine. What she wants she sets her mind too and she wants her sister back. She has honorable determination, but how do you save someone who doesn’t want to be rescued?

          

  What I loved the most about this book was the parallels between Lily’s love for her sister and Christ’s love for us. The beautiful weaving of faith and strengthening of that faith pulled at the story’s strengths, weaving the plot completely together.
            

Connell McCormick is such a fine hero. Not very often do you find a historical hero we get to watch open up before a reader’s eyes. A hero who is silently strong, but also discovering who God wants him to be, instead of the expectations pushed upon him. I loved watching him be transformed. And I loved watching him fall in love with Lily. Oh did their romance sizzle on the page!

          

  All in all, another great addition to my Hedlund collection. I’ve failed to be disappointed.

           

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 Unending Devotion Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2012) by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody has written novels for the last 20 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), became a best seller and has won multiple awards.

Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released in September of 2011, and her third book, Unending Devotion, is out now. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!

Jody has been married for twenty years to her college sweetheart. Jody has five children ranging in ages from 15 to 6, with a set of twin daughters in the mix to make things more lively.


ABOUT THE BOOK

High-Stakes Drama Meets High-Tension Romance

In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber baron father.

Posing during the day as a photographer's assistant, Lily can't understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father's lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he's interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters.

Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that's dominated Harrison for so long.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Unending Devotion, go HERE.

Giveaway! Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig!

Welcome back to Writing for Christ Ronie Kendig, I am excited to have you here for a second time. :-)  

Thanks, Casey! I’m so honored and delighted to be back. Thanks for having me.

What has changed in your writing life since you were last here?

Oh my gosh! So much has changed—after 32 years in Texas, I’ve moved! My family and I packed up and drove halfway across the country to Northern Virginia over the 4^th of July weekend. It was fraught with one headache and “boo-boo” after another, but I believe with all my heart that the Lord brought us here, so I’m learning to let him deal with the details. LOL

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

Two leapt to mind when I read this question. The first one was Shannon Dittemore’s BROKEN WINGS (out next year, I believe—sorry!). What I love is that this Angel Eyes’ series is such a riveting and compelling YA series. It has romance, supernatural, and out-right biblical themes. I am so relieved to see such a strong series that can hold its own against a series like maybe Twilight, etc. The second book is Glenn Meade’s THE ROMANOV CONSPIRACY. I have to admit, the reason I loved this book so much is probably closely connected to my love of the era—the Romanovs! *sigh* But really, Meade handled the story brilliantly and gave a *very* satisfying ending.

Do you have favorite authors?

Yes, I do!! Right off the bat, I can think of Jim Rubart, Robert Liparulo, Kathy Tyers, Stephen Lawhead, Joel Rosenberg, Tom Morrissey/William Boykin, Steven James, Lisa Bergren, and T.L. Higley. Oh!! And Veronica Roth—LOVE her YA dystopians, Divergent and Insurgent.

What do you find the most enjoyable part of writing or connecting with readers?

That question sort of answered itself—one of the most enjoyable parts of writing is connecting with readers, finding out how a story changed a life or inspired someone. We authors get to do what Jesus did—tell stories to impact the Kingdom—what better life is there?

What do you find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings? :-)

I enjoy sitting in restaurants like Panera or even Starbucks to just relax and write. The best atmosphere is the one without wi-fi. LOL I am too distracted by email and social media if I have wi-fi. I haven’t gotten to head out to Starbucks or Panera to write since our move, but I will need to do that soon to hit my deadline on the last military war dog novel.

Okay, something fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of time?

Honestly, the best time to output ratio came when I wasn’t contracted. I wrote and entire space opera in roughly 3 weeks (it’s 100K). Now, I’m exhilarated on marathon weekends when I managed to hack out 15-20K on a novel.

Thanks for being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels.

Thank you so much, sweet friend! Looking forward to seeing you at ACFW!

Casey: Me too, Ronie!

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Ronie's 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 September 28th.

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 

Unending Grace? For Me?

Photo credit:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Do you ever feel like you just might run of God's grace? 

That He's only got a certain saved amount just for you and--oops--if you've used it all up, sorry chester, you're oughta luck?

Of course, as Christians, we know that isn't true. We know where we stand before the throne of Grace, that no matter what we do we will always be forgiven.

But have you ever doubted that...just a little tiny bit? I know I have. Surely, this is the last time God's going to say He loves and forgives me, after I've done this for the thousandth time. Surely God's grace has a depth to it, one that I'm sure to reach--and hit with a resounding smack.

But have you ever thought that when we reach that point of believing God's grace is no longer good enough, it gives the devil that much more room to step in?

Go ahead, just do it. God's grace is all used up on you anyway. How could He love someone who's made so many mistakes?

In those moments of weakness, of being sure that we have done something so drastically awful that God can never forgive us, that we allow Satan an open door to our heart. We might as well hand over the key as well.

God is all loving. All forgiving. His mercies are always new. That isn't to excuse the fact that He expects us to learn and mature from our mistakes, but like the loving Father He is, His love knows absolutely no bounds.

For His child--a child of the King--what freedom we have in His love. Not freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom to love with complete and utter abandon, striving to honor Him in His presence and to those we come in contact with.

This week I made such a mistake, one I regretted and wished to take back. I know God was disappointed with me in the state of my heart...does that give me permission to act that way all over again, because I know God will always forgive me? No. Absolutely no. 

What it does do is make me fight all the harder to honor and please my Heavenly Father. And praise Him for the grace He freely gives each of us.

The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis ~ Review

“The Bridesmaid” is more than just a story about a young woman who can’t find love in her future, it’s a story of trust and faith that God’s best is more wonderful than anything we can orchestrate in our own control.  

            I will have to admit here at the start of my review, that I’ve been a bit disappointed with the last couple books I’ve read by this author. I’m afraid this title failed to sweep me into the Amish world as previous titles have. While a love story is always timeless, I think the plot moved too slowly to truly capture me…and I confess to skimming.

          

  I’ve loved many of the Amish books in the past, several series fill my keeper shelves, but this title and the one preceding it haven’t entertained me as I expected them too.

           

I can say I thought the uniqueness of Joanna and Eben’s interests made them “different” in the genre of Amish fiction and how they overcame their struggles to triumphs was fulfilling.

            

I am truly sorry to say this book disappointed me. It’s with no malice, only grievance that I say as much and I hope…I know there will be other readers more taken than me.

          

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

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More about the novel and author....

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Bridesmaid Bethany House Publishers (September 11, 2012) by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bridesmaid, go HERE.