2013: A New Year, A New Challenge, A New Hope

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January has never been my favorite month. Something about constantly having to go back and erase or white out all the 2012's I've written at the end of a date...or maybe the fact that it's a longer than usual month for me...or maybe it's the fact that after a year of living in the expectation of 2012, I now have to build a new expectation. 

I wouldn't say that's a bad thing. If anything, I kind of look forward this year to wiping the slate clean and handing the chalk over to God to write this story. I can plan for my future, but God writes the story. It's the ultimate seat of the pants experience. ;-) 

New expectations are exciting.

New expectations are scary. 

I mean really, if 2012 never ended then I wouldn't need to think about the future. (okay, realistically, I would, but theoretically...it's a nice thought. ;-) I like my little rut. I like fitting into that groove and jolting out of it can be jarring. 

A little bit of starting a new year does that to me. Jars me, I mean. And yet it can be so incredibly exciting. 

God has given us another year, or at least another day in a new year. Maybe I'll acquire an agent. Probably not, but I know I'll work up the nerve to submit to another agent. 

Maybe I'll fall in love. Probably not, but I bet I will with a new storybook hero. ;-)

My point is: the ride is only as jarring as I want to make it. What will God teach me this year? How will He grow me? Looking back at the end of 2011 I would have never thought I'd be sitting here right now, chatting with you like I am, having grown like I have. 

It might hurt to grow more, but He's got a reason, a purpose for it and I'm trusting that He's got my best interest at heart. I don't know what the next 361 days are going to hold, but I do know this: when I sit on this side of 2014 and look back on 2013, I just know I'm going to have things to cry over. But I also know this: my future is what I make it: and I plan to have a whole lot to praise over.

SUPERB!!! ~ Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt ~ Review

Beth Vogt’s debut novel “Wish You Were Here” was great. A good story.

            

“Catch a Falling Star”…superb.

         

   I couldn’t put the novel down. Could. Not. I don’t have stronger words to describe how much this novel captured me…oh wait I’ll say this: I could have dealt with one or five more of those kisses…

           

Beth Vogt has hit her sweet spot. Talk about a great story! (I really need a stronger arsenal of vivid descriptors for novels I love). Griffin and Kendall are characters that go deep in their characterization. The dialogue…oh the dialogue! Snappy, quick and perfect for every single moment. I don’t think one word was wasted, each one built upon the other to create a story so…so wonderful to spend time reading, I couldn’t put it down. Oh, wait, I’ve already said that.

            

Characters are great. Writing is superb. Themes are clearly evident and excellently woven through the story. Descriptions take you right into the heart of the story while not distracting anything from it. I have a feeling THIS is the voice, people are going to love discovering on book shelves. And talk about a romance. I don’t think it can get much better…except, I could have had a few more kisses. (broken record, yeah I know, what’s your point?)

          

  Oh sigh…do I have to shut up now? I really could go on and on…let me say this: I had an advance ecopy. I’m going to buy the book. And get it autographed.

            

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

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More about the novel...

Successful career gal Kendall Haynes is tired of wishing on stars for a home and a family. Can God’s dreams for her be even better than her own?

What does a girl do when life doesn’t go according to her plan? At thirty-six, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She’s a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives—a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But are Kendall’s dreams of having it all—a career, a husband, children—nothing more than a childhood fantasy? God says He knows the plans He has for her—why can’t Kendall figure them out and be content with her life?

Griffin Walker prefers flying solo—both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of “flying a desk” are complicated by his parents’ death—making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can he get his life back on track…or has there been a divine plan all along?

Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn’t just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your “wish I may, wish I might” dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you.

Giveaway! Real Virtue by Katy Lee!

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

In my latest release, Real Virtue, my heroine is a gamer. I am not. So many readers can’t believe I gave such a clear picture of the gaming world without personal experience, but thanks to my best friend, I was able to world-build with accuracy without getting pulled in. She opened multiple accounts to play and helped me tremendously with my research. However, during my research, I did read many interviews with gamers, mostly teens and young adults, where they admit to preferring their virtual lives over their real ones. Video games can become super appealing, especially if the player’s real life is not so great. In a game, a player can zap out of a situation they don’t like. They can’t do that in real life. In a game, a player is rewarded for beating the next level or quest. In real life, it’s hard to accomplish things, and even when you do, people don’t always notice, or for some, care. Still, as for me, I choose real life.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

Well, I write romance because I read romance, usually with some suspense in it. I do enjoy stories where the main characters have to grow in some way, and in following them along their journey, I grow, too. Whether it is a desire to be a better wife or mother, or inspiration to try something new, books like this for me become keepers.

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

I’ve always loved creating things, which also means learning how things come together from idea to product and everything in between. Sewing and quilting were big hobbies in my life, and then knitting. But everything I did had a plan, a pattern to follow. If I skimped, it would not come out right. If I didn’t fix my mistakes, it would ruin the finished product, or worse, get thrown into my basket, never to be finished.

I’ve also always had a love for reading and admired the talents of many writers who could perfectly place words down on a page to make them flow like music, or bind together like a perfectly knitted piece. I’ll admit I had tried my hand at writing a few times, starting back in fifth grade, but it wasn’t until 2005 when an idea for a story came to me that I decided to try writing again. But this time I did things a little differently. I researched on how a story comes together. The idea to product and everything in between, and three months later I had completed my first novel. It was when I learned that every kind creation has a plan, a pattern that needs to be followed that I could now call myself a writer.

5 things you love?

Chocolate Mint Tea – All the flavor without the calories!

Homeschooling my three children – I wouldn’t trade the relationship I have with them for anything.

Traveling – ANYWHERE.

No humidity that gives me good hair days.

Good sleep.

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

I really enjoy the Love Inspired Suspense books, and surprisingly, my son likes them, too. My daughter also loves Zondervan’s Halflings series. She’s always raving about them. I’m encouraging her to try some LIS books, too, since I recently sold a novel to Love Inspired Suspense. I’m looking forward to being a part of the LIS family come October!

Places for readers to learn more about you?

Real Virtue is available now in ebook and paperback from Amazon  and Barnes and Noble 

Thank you for having me on your blog! Readers, I love comments and would love to hear from you. One commenter will receive a paperback copy of Real Virtue! It's getting rave reviews, as well as finaling for awards. I hope you enjoy it and are blessed by it.

And please keep in touch with me at my website: www.KatyLeeBooks.com

You will see links for Twitter and Facebook and Goodreads. Let’s connect and get to know each other!

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

Please leave an email address! 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 January 11th

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 

Beautiful Story ~ Lovelier than Daylight by Rosslyn Elliott~ Review

A captivating story in a challenging time period, this novel quickly had my attention and interest. It's one of those stories that goes beyond the page to fill my mind with questions while I can't be reading. The characters are such that you want to cheer for them and see them succeed.

One of the things I loved the most about the book was the writing style and voice. I believe this book truly captivated the essence of years of practice and hard work and previous works of published fiction. Beautiful imagery and word pictures that didn't distract from the story is what sets this book above others I have read.

Now that I have read three books about the Hanby family, I am fascinated to know more and am a bit disappointed that this the final book in the series. Reconnecting with previous characters makes this novel that much more rich for the reader.

The romance was a great player in the book, though I almost wish it had played a stronger role. But the ending certainly makes up for any bit of lack I thought the middle might have had.

All in all, I am quite pleased with this latest novel find and have added it to my keeper shelf.

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

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More about the novel...

Susanna is a lady of principles who values family above all. Johann seems to represent all she despises . . . but appearances can be deceiving.

In 1875, Susanna Hanby is headed off to college in Westerville, Ohio, when she discovers her sister Rachel and Rachel's children have disappeared. Susanna suspects that Rachel's alcoholic husband knows more than he's saying and she vows to uncover the truth.

Johann Giere is heir to a successful German-American brewery in Columbus, but longs for a career in journalism in New York City. When Johann signs on as the supplier for a new saloon in Westerville, his and Susanna's paths cross and sparks fly. A fiery temperance crusader, Susanna despises Johann's profession, but she cannot deny the attraction.

When Susanna learns that Rachel's children have been indentured to orphanages in the city, she despairs that her family will be fractured forever. But Johann makes Susanna an offer she can't refuse--pitting her passion and her principles against one another.

If she can find a way for her head and her heart to be in harmony, a future lovelier than daylight awaits her.

Giveaway! In the Shadow of Sinai by Carole Towriss!

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

Well, you can find out a lot on my website, like we have four kids, and three are adopted. What is less known is that their appearances in our life are all connected to holidays. Our oldest, Emma was born on Christmas Eve.  The next we brought home on Orthodox Easter (a week after Easter). We spent our Easter in Kazakhstan with her. And the youngest two we brought home two days before Thanksgiving.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write? 

Biblical fiction.  I love going deeper into the story, especially with characters that are lesser known.

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

Use as many senses as you can when describing a setting—or anything. Not just sight and sound, but taste, touch, smell. Bring the reader inside the character’s head with you.

5 things you love?

Ummm … my husband and four kids? J

OK:

1.       The beach

2.       Summer

3.       Mexican food

4.       Chocolate

5.       A hot bath and a book

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

 I’d say Rodeo Hero by Sharon Vannatter, but it’s hard to find. Rodeo Ashes is the sequel. Both deal with the consequences of sex before marriage, and God’s forgiveness and redemption. I think girls and their moms would like them.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

www.caroletowriss.com

www.facebook.com/NovelistCaroleTowriss

www.twitter.com/CaroleTowriss

www.pinterest.com/ctowriss

Thank you for being with us today! 

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

Please leave an email address! 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 January 4th

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 

My Top Ten Best Books of 2012

Putting these lists together is one of my favorite of favorite posts of the entire year. I love looking back on great 2012 fiction offerings and sharing with YOU what I thought was the best.

And of course in turn, seeing what made it on your list. It's a great post to write and a fun theme to visit on blogs across the internet. Share your links in the comments if you've already posted!

Here is my Top Ten list numbered from 10-1 and oh-so-hard to choose between!

Of the 142 books I read this year, 16 got 5 stars. 

#10:

Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall

The power of each word builds a story complex in emotion and plot is carefully built until at the end of the story I was disappointed to leave these characters behind.

#9:

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

This novel came out of nowhere and completely enthralled me. 

#8:

A Light in the Window by Julie Lessman

Well over 2500 pages have been consumed through my eager fingers over the years and this family has truly become my own.

#7:

A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh

I loved the plot, the characters, the writing, the setting. In short…oh yeah, I already said that, but I’ll say it again. I loved this book.

#6:

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

I read the story slowly, not because it didn’t thoroughly capture my attention, but only because it didn’t feel right to blaze through for the sake of simply reading. 

#5:

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

There is a rhythm, a cadence to their story, the words sweeping me into eighteenth century America. 

#4:

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

“You Don’t Know Me” is a gripping marvel of strong storytelling and solid characters that beg to have their story told in the way that has put Warren on the Christian fiction map.

#3:

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

The plot is unique and just wait until you read the scene where the brothers “draw straws”. You might want to swoon. I wanted to…

#2:

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

Katie Ganshert may be a debut author, but this novel does not read like a debut. Surely she has been holding out on us and there is a published backlist.

#1: 

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Fitting into this novel was like stepping into a Cinderella fairy tale…and the glass slipper didn’t pinch a bit.

WOW, what a great bunch of fiction! Honorary mentions that didn't make my list, but I still loved were: 

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck; 

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman; 

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

What made your list?? 

Sparks Are Flyin'! ~ Sandwich With a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips ~ Review

Oh, what a yummy fun loving novel!

          

  From the first chapter I was drawn into the world of this debut novel. Witty, funny, snarky and mixed with a dose of suave and you’ve got a contemporary romance healthy in humor and nutritious in the romantic conflict department. (Okay, ending the food metaphors here, I promise)

          

  Maddie is a baby Christian with sort of a false sense of prayer and all God is. But she’s trying and she wants to honor the God who has saved her…but on one condition: she cannot fall in love with her boss. I don’t think Maddie knew the meaning yet of the genre she was being written in to…

          

  Sparks fly in this novel of grace, acceptance and trust that God has the very best plans no matter how much we might pray otherwise. So many moments had my family looking at me funny as I snorted and laughed my way through the book. Maddie has got the quirkiest sense of humor and ability to find the snark in each moment. She knows how to make a book fun.

          

  The novel isn’t all light and fluff. It serves up its own dose of painful backstory that affect the characters. At first I thought it a difficult contradiction to reconcile with the amount of humor, but found character growth in the end to make it all a delightful read.

            

Perfect escape for the too-quick hours this novel takes to read!

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More about the novel...

She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle. Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day. It 's all Reuben-the-Jerk 's fault, and she 's determined to make him right the wrong. He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant, The Sandwich Emporium. Then crazy things start happening at the restaurant, and Kyle 's foster parents apply to adopt him. To stop it all, Maddie must learn the art of humbling herself and accepting the help God has arranged, risking her heart to Reuben in the process. And she d rather eat a million corned-beef on rye sandwiches than do that.