This Week's Books and a Link or Two. :-)

I think when this year is over and the readiing challenge has come to an end, I am going to turn Friday into a compilation of everything that happened during the week. Kind of like a Fellowship Friday, but Cindy is also doing that, so I don't want to take anything away from her. :-)

What I read this week....

And they are:
In All Things by Shawna K. Williams
Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck
The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson

Great books to read this week!! Which, *drum roll please* this now takes my total is 200 books!! I smashed the 100 book goal I guess. *sheepish grin* And there have been some great ones this year. I hope to do a best of 2010 list sometime at the end of December. :-)

Fun Links!

Have you heard of Pandora online radio? Check. It. Out! It is completely free and will only play music that you want it to play! Selet an artist, like Sara Evans, Natalie Grant, etc and they will play music of that quality. And completely FREE! I love it! It's my new thing to listen to. :-)

Want to win a signed copy of Cindy Woodsmall's Hope of Refuge? Click HERE! I will draw a winner in about an hour, so if you see this before then, go ahead and enter.

You can read my Alley post from yesterday HERE too.

I'm on Facebook if you want to connect. Just please be sure and tell me you know me from my blog. I tend to only know you by your first name here. :-)

And my win a free bracelet contest is still going on over at Bug's Beads Facebook. Just "like" the page. :-)

Hope you are having a great Friday and only ONE MORE DAY until the party kickoff!!!! Just get through today and tomorrow and we are home free!! :-)

Have a great Friday everyone!!

Special Giveaway and Interview: The Silent Order

Welcome back to Writing for Christ, Melanie Dobson! I am excited to have you here for a second time. J

Thanks, Casey! I’m honored to be back. J

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

Since last time, I’ve had the privilege of exploring Cleveland and Ohio’s Amish country to research my latest suspense novel (The Silent Order). I spent one night with an Old Order Amish couple in Sugarcreek and was swept away by the woman’s heart and passion. The Silent Order released the first of November, and now I’m in the midst of completing another historical novel set in Iowa’s Amana Colonies. 

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

I’ve been researching the Civil War for Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa—which is a wonderful excuse for me to read novels set in the mid-1800s. I’ve fallen in love with Lynn Austin’s books and writing style, specifically her Candle in the Darkness and Fire by Night novels set during the Civil War. She is a beautiful, lyrical writer with the perfect mix of strong characters and exciting storylines.

Do you have favorite authors?

I enjoy reading books by Angela Hunt, Kristen Heitzmann, Julie Klassen, and now Lynn Austin.

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

I love connecting with my readers! Every time I receive an email or a letter, I feel humbled and grateful for the privilege of being able to write the stories that seem to erupt out of my heart and mind. My favorite part of the writing part is the research—reading old newspapers and diaries and interviewing experts so I can glean enough information to make my stories as accurate and interesting as possible.

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

I do almost all of my writing in a local coffee shop while my children are in school (the owner is very gracious and lets me camp out at the table by the window all day). This is the perfect setting for me with the steady buzz of conversation and unlimited refills on decaf…and no piles of laundry to distract me. My best work is done right before every major deadline when I lock myself into a local hotel room for two days and write as much as I can. 

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?

In one of my hotel weekends, I wrote 14,000 words. Usually I write 2,000 words a day so that was huge for me. It took me a week to edit all those words.

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

Thanks, Casey. It’s always a pleasure to “chat” with you.

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Melanie's latest book, The Silent Order.

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 November 26th.

Gone With the Wind???

This will be short today, more of a question then a commentary.

As many of you know I recently traveled to Idaho for a small book writing workshop. While there I stayed in a Candlewood Suite (highly recommended hotel!!). Nearly everything was complimentary including their movies.

Ashley at the time was having a Gone with the Posts Blog Party and it got me in the mood to watch the film. I had seen it once before and wanted to know if my first impressions would stay the same years down the road. Especially with so many of my beloved authors loving this movie. (Julie is going to hate me for this post).

I spent 6 hours and watched the ENTIRE film! Now, would someone please explain to me what all the fuss is about?? Scarlet is a spoiled brat that NEVER changes. Everyone hates her, she is greedy and never satisfied and in the end when she finally realizes the error of her ways, it is all so far gone all I want to see her do is lose Rhett!

Now, Clark Gable is swoon worthy and a fantastic hero, but what does everyone see in Scarlet? I know things have been said about her determination to save Tara, which makes her a likable heroine, but that was a minuscule part compared to lusting after Ashley.

And while Rhett is a stunning hero, I will admit he was asking for heartbreak, he KNEW what Scarlet was like when he married her and did it anyway.

As I finished the last part of the film and sat, listening to my mom in the other room laughing at Everyone Loves Raymond and I upset in the front room, I wracked my brain over what does everyone see in this movie?? I beg of you dear readers, explain the truth behind this conundrum and tell me why YOU like this film. There HAS to be reason why it is so well loved. And to know if I am not the only one that was thoroughly frustrated at the close of the credits.

Do forgive me, I hope no one chucks that thick book at my head. Remember, no me, no party next week! (well...actually, probably yes, because almost all the posts are scheduled) Hehe. Do tell the secret behind this, I am dying to know.

After all...tomorrow is another day!

BOOK REVIEW and CFBA Tour: Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHatteras GirlBethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)byAlice Wisler
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.
Facts about Alice
* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09
ABOUT THE BOOK

There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.
There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.
When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hatteras Girl, go HERE.

My Review:

A women’s fiction novel, HATTERAS GIRL surprised me in more ways than one.

The start of the novel is slow in my opinion and I considering skimming, but there was something about the story that stopped me. I will admit that first person present tense is not my favorite to read, but as the book progressed I didn’t notice it as much.

Nothing is overt in the story line. The romance, the faith message, the characters actions. Everything is “shown” as it happens, without a great deal of internal monologue, which I found interesting. About half way through the book it kicked up a notch as events came to a head and I really got to see the characters actions.  This second half of the book changed my opinion on the story and as the book flowed towards the ending, I saw where the beginning had been taking me. In the end, I am able to honestly say I liked the story as a whole. I think if you don’t mind slow beginnings and trusting that the story and the characters will sustain the book you might enjoy this one. I would suggest you read women’s fiction already though as this book is a strong candidate for the genre.

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

Giveaway and Author Interview: Where Hearts Are Free

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Golden Keyes Parson! Thank you for being with us today.

Thank you so much for having me, Casey. I am honored.

Tell us a little about yourself!

            My husband, Blaine, and I retired a couple of years ago to Central Texas to be near our family. We had spent the last 18 years pastoring a church in Northern New Mexico. We have three grown daughters and eight grandchildren. I am a two-time cancer survivor.

How long did you write before you were published?

            A long time! I actually grew up in a family of writers and newspaper editors, so it was a natural avenue for me. I always expressed myself better in writing than verbally, although I am now a professional speaker as well. But I think what you are asking is how long did it take me to get published after pursuing writing in a serious manner—that would be ten years.

When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?

            I thought, “How beautiful!” And seeing it on the shelves in bookstores was just as singular an experience for me. To see one’s name alongside authors that you have admired is incredible.

What are you working on now?

            I just finished my next book which will be out in Sept 2011. It is set during the Civil War in Texas. We don’t have a title for it yet.

Where can readers find out more about your books?

            On my web site www.goldenkeyesparsons.com and my blog www.goldenkeyesparsons.blogspot.com

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

            That God is faithful and will always make a way for us if we dare to trust Him.

What are two things that people wouldn't normally know about you as a writer and or person?

1.      I am also an ordained pastor, and as such started out writing non-fiction—general inspiration books, a book on marriage, Bible studies—but I never could land a contract. Then I stumbled upon my family genealogy and wanted to tell their story. I realized that God’s truths can be embedded in fiction and be perhaps more palatable than in a non-fiction book.

2.      Also, I am very shy J

Thank you for being with us today.  Any final words for readers?

            I hope my books will bless you. Readers should know that my novels are not what one would call a “gentle” read. They are a bit more gritty, as they deal with real life and how God can redeem those situations. Although they are billed as historical romance, there’s lots of action and intrigue, and men are enjoying them as well as women.

Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Golden's latest novel, Where Hearts Are Free.

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

And a NEW one:
"Like" my Bug's Beads Jewelry Page on Facebook (contest details there to!)


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 November 19th.

Book Review: Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck

Let me say right off that I LOVED this book! It will certainly not be the last one I read by the fantastic story teller, Rachel Hauck.

The characters of Joy and Luke (along with the minors) are filled with depth and flaws, humor and charm that stand to life on the page. The story is well told with word pictures abounding in a manner sure to grab your attention and refuse to let go. This is the kind of book that when you have to put it down, you want to go back to it immediately.

Dialogue is snappy, tension thick and the romance. Ohhh. Hear my heart sigh. Talk about delicious chemistry! Swoon worthy moments to be sure. I loved the entire premise behind the story, a cooking show host that can’t cook. I could see, taste and smell it all. What imagery!

The writing drew me in, the characters held me in my seat and the circumstances either had me laughing, seething at the villains or sighing with delight. But underneath it all, is an underlying faith message that that reminds Joy-and the reader- what is really important.

Don’t let this book pass you by! Bang up fiction!

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

Today's Winner!!

And the winner of K. Dawn Byrd's Killing Time is...

Doreen @ Privies and Prims!!!

Doreen has been emailed and has a week to get back with me. Thanks for entering everyone!

And if you are interested, you can check out Linda Windsor's blog post on The Writer's Alley today on doing research! Hope you can check it out, I think there is Irish Cream hot cocoa over there as well....

Have a great weekend!!