A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

A Passion Redeemed
Revell (September 1, 2008)
by
Julie Lessman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:






Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet, and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure was her first novel.




ABOUT THE BOOK

No man can resist her charms. Or so she thought. Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. Her stunning beauty and flirtatious ways have always succeeded with men. Until Mitch Dennehy, that is.

Brilliant and dangerously handsome, Mitch is a no-nonsense newspaperman who wants nothing to do with her. Charity burned him once, destroying his engagement to the only woman he ever truly loved. He won't play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants—one way or another.

Or does she? Will her best-laid schemes win his love? Or will her seductive ways drive him away forever? Book 2 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Redeemed will captivate your heart and stir your soul with a story of faith and redemption rising from the ashes of temptation, desire, and shame.

Praise for the first book in the series:

"Full of romance, humor, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page." --Historical Novels Review "Superb! Incredible!

"I loved Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure from the second I picked it up until the very last moment I stopped reading." --Armchair Interviews

"I devoured this book and loved every single page. . . . This is a thick, juicy read, and one I would pick up again in a heartbeat." --christianreviewofbooks.com

If you would like to read an excerpt from A Passion Redeemed, go HERE.

Twice Loved by Lori Copeland

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Twice Loved
Avon Inspire (July 22, 2008)
by
Lori Copeland


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and five wonderful grandchildren. They are very involved in their church and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995 after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has more than 95 books published including Now And Always and Bluebonnet Belle.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Texas, 1865 Willow Madison and her friends, Copper and Audrey taught school in neighboring Texas communities until the Yankees rode into the area and burned them out. In the midst of fear and chaos, survivors banded together to fight for what remained of their homes. Then word reached the people that the terrible war was over.

Now penniless but still hopeful, Willow vows she will take care of her friends, Copper and Audrey, and her ailing uncle, in Thunder Ridge, Texas, even if it means having to marry wealthy Silas Sterling, a man thirty years her senior. But standing in her way is handsome sawmill owner Tucker Gray, with his enticing eyes and infuriating headstrong manner—the man Willow cannot get out of her head . . . or her heart. Even though her friends beg her not to give up her dream of happiness, Willow is determined to do the right thing for those who are dearest to her. But which path does God want Willow to take: a life of duty and commitment . . . or a life of everlasting love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Twice Loved, go HERE


Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, August 26—Psalm 119:89–176; 2 Corinthians 5
Wednesday, August 27—Psalms 120–122; 2 Corinthians 6
Thursday, August 28—Psalms 123–125; 2 Corinthians 7
Friday, August 29—Psalms 126–128; 2 Corinthians 8
Saturday, August 30—Psalms 129–131; 2 Corinthians 9
Sunday, August 31—Psalms 132–134; 2 Corinthians 10
Monday, September 1—Psalms 135–136; 2 Corinthians 11:1–15
Lo

House of Wolves by Matt Bronleewe

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
House Of Wolves
Thomas Nelson (August 12, 2008)
by
Matt Bronleewe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter, and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia, and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.

To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. His first book Illuminated began the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.

Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food, and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design, and science.

ABOUT THE BOOK


A mysterious book with a dangerous secret.

An evil brotherhood out to conquer the world.

One man stands between them . . . with his family in the balance.

In the twelfth century, Henry the Lion collected the rarest relics in Christendom. And to protect his most precious acquisitions, he encoded the whereabouts in a gorgeous illuminated manuscript called The Gospels of Henry the Lion.

The manuscript has been showing up and disappearing ever since. No one knows where the relic has been hidden . . . or its ultimate power.

Only one man holds the key to the mystery.

He's carrying it in his briefcase at his son's school for show-and-tell, and he thinks it's a fake. But he's about to find out just how real it is.

Because the wolves are rapidly closing in. And if August Adams can't decode the secret in time, the world's balance of power will forever be altered.

If you would like to read an excerpt of House Of Wolves, it will be HERE



Margie's review: It has been my privilege to be asked to proofread the first two books of Matt Bronleewe's August Adams series, Illuminated and House of Wolves. I've loved entering the world of rare books and the excitement of uncovering secrets that are held in some of them. August Adams isn't perfect—but he is the perfect hero for these books. Unknowingly he carries the "real thing" in his briefcase, and he and his family are plunged into a desperate fight for their lives while August struggles to reveal the secrets within and repair broken relationships in the process. Get ready for a fast-paced, intense read. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series.

Merciless by Robin Parrish

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Merciless
(Bethany House - July 1, 2008)
by
Robin Parrish


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Parrish had two great ambitions in his life: to have a family, and to be a published novelist. In March of 2005, he proposed to his future wife the same week he signed his first book contract.

More than ten years he spent writing for various websites, including About.com, CMCentral.com, and Infuze Magazine, which is a unique intersection between art and faith which he also conceived of and created.

One of his more "high concept" ideas for Infuze was to return to his love for storytelling and create a serialized tale that would play out every two weeks, telling a complete, compelling story over the course of nine months. That serialized story eventually came to the attention of several publishers, who saw it as a potential debut novel for Robin Parrish.

In 2005, Bethany House Publishers brought Robin full circle by contracting him for the rights to not only that first book, Relentless—but two sequels including Fearless and Merciless. A trilogy that unfolded in the consecutive summers of 2006, 2007, and this year, 2008. One massive tale—of which that first, original story would form only the foundational first volume of the three—spread across three books.

Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about pop culture for more than a decade. Currently he serves as Senior Editor at XZOOSIA.com, a community portal that fuses social networking with magazine-style features about entertainment and culture. He and his wife, Karen and son live in North Carolina.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The world as we know it has ENDED.
DEATH and CHAOS creep across the globe and only the POWERLESS can RISE UP to stop it.

But can anything stop the onslaught of the DARKWORLD

From the earth's depths crawls a figure with skin like granite, flames for eyes, and the face of Grant Borrows.

Oblivion has arrived.

Every clock around the world has stopped. Time has frozen.

The Secretum have fulfilled the prophecy, unleashing on earth the most powerful being to walk the earth in thousands of years. His name is Oblivion and his touch is death.

He can't be slowed.
He can't be stopped.
And he can't be killed.

But as long as any live who trust in hope and love and freedom, the fight is not over.

They have only one chance before he brings forth the Darkworld.

Oblivion is: Merciless

"Robin Parrish is the kind of writer who understands how to entertain from the word go. His stories are sure to shape fiction for years to come."
~TED DEKKER, author of ADAM

If you would like to read the first chapter of Merciless, go HERE



Margie's review: If you have difficulty suspending belief in the natural laws of creation, then you probably won't like this trilogy. But if you like supernatural thrillers and speculative fiction, then you'll like Robin Parrish's Dominion trilogy featuring Grant Borrows. Robin tells a gripping story with short chapters, great description, and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. After reading the first two books earlier this year, I looked forward to this conclusion. Especially since Fearless ended with a major story line unresolved. I'm one who likes happy endings, or at least satisfying ones, so I'm finally getting satisfaction is reading this thrilling conclusion. Thanks, Robin, for another excellent read!

Random Thoughts

Roger is working in Georgia this summer. He has about three or four weeks left. I'll be going one more time over Labor Day weekend. And we're going to visit the Savannah area. I'm looking forward to that. Roger was home this weekend, flew back to Georgia late last night.

Last week, Randy was on a backpack trip on the Corona Trail (along the Continental Divide, stretching from Mexico into Canada). They chose the section in northwest Colorado. They started last Tuesday, weren’t supposed to be home until last night. But they didn’t expect the cold front that came through Thursday night would be as cold, wet, and snowy as it was. :) I woke up about 1:30 Saturday morning when he came into the house and headed straight for a hot shower! LOL Since it didn’t get above 50° here on Friday and rained solid from Thursday night into Saturday evening, . . . Well, the mountains have snow on them this morning, the first time we've actually been able to see them since Thursday. Beautiful!! Our music pastor went along with them and was planning to come down Friday at Steamboat Springs where someone had parked his truck. So they all came down and squeezed into his truck for the long ride home.

Kathy called Saturday morning (afternoon for her), and we got all the arrangements made for our weekend trip to Scotland in October. The closer we get to October, the more excited both Roger and I are.

I have a very busy week planned (I know, some of you are saying, Does she know anything different? LOL). It would be nice if I didn't wake on Monday morning feeling totally overwhelmed. Could use lots of extra prayer this week. I seem to be missing Mom more than usual these last few days, too, which doesn't really help.

Teach me to order my days, Lord.

Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, August 19—Psalms 103–104; Galatians 4
Wednesday, August 20—Psalms 105–106; Galatians 5
Thursday, August 21—Psalms 107–109; Galatians 6
Friday, August 22—Psalms 110–112; 2 Corinthians 1
Saturday, August 23—Psalms 113–115; 2 Corinthians 2
Sunday, August 24—Psalms 116–118; 2 Corinthians 3
Monday, August 25—Psalms 119:1–88; 2 Corinthians 4

The Jewel of Gresham Green by Lawana Blackwell

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Jewel of Gresham Green
(Bethany House - August 1, 2008)
by
Lawana Blackwell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A full-time author, Lawana Blackwell's books include her beloved Gresham Chronicles and Tales of London series.

"I had told myself long ago that three books in a series are enough for my attention span, and so after The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark, I devoted myself to the trio of books in the Tales of London series, then wrote A Table By the Window, my contemporary novel. All along, I received letters from readers asking me to continue the Gresham series. Many, many wrote that the dairying village of Gresham and its people sent them back to a more peaceful time in the midst of their busy days.

"Prayerfully, I decided to return to Gresham, setting the story fifteen years after Julia Hollis and her children first left London for abandoned coaching inn which became Larkspur Inn. I believe readers would like to see how the children—Philip, Aleda and Grace, Elizabeth and Laurel—turn out as adults. But I like to inject fresh faces into every book, hence Jewel Libby and her daughter Becky find Gresham a haven from a bad man. Writing the book was like coming home, visiting old friends."

Blackwell lives in Louisiana with her husband, Buddy, a supervisor at an oil refinery. They are empty nesters who love to visit their three grown sons, Joseph, Matthew, and Andrew, and three lovely daughters-in-law, Kristine, Penny and Heather, granddaughter Madelyn, and grandson Chandler.

Her other interests include visiting her parents and siblings in Mississippi, vegetarian cooking, and naturally, reading.



ABOUT THE BOOK
To protect her precious daughter from the danger nipping at their heels, Jewel Libby must flee the only home she's ever known. Caring friends direct her to the vicarage in the peaceful dairy village of Gresham, but she arrives there to find Vicar Andrew Phelps and his wife immersed in troubles of their own.

The children of Vicar Andrew Phelps and Julia Hollis from the popular Gresham Chronicles series have grown up and are dealing with their own challenges. Philip Hollis, now a successful London surgeon, has a controlling wife who resents his close family ties.

Aleda Hollis lives in a cottage on the outskirts of Gresham, where she enjoys her privacy and a writing career. When Andrew becomes ill and in need of Philip's skills, and Aleda's quest for privacy unwittingly advances an evil man's schemes, it's Jewel Libby, a newcomer to Gresham, who becomes an unexpected support and source of strength to the family. An unlikely romance adds to the intrigue of this jewel in their midst.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Jewel of Gresham Green, go HERE

That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman

Personal note: I've been away to Philadelphia for the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. I spent a week ahead of time and a couple of days after helping Marlene Bagnull in her home office. After getting home Monday evening, I've been working at getting caught up here at home. Now today, I'll start back in with work—both writing and editing. I'm a little behind on the posting the blog tours, so I'll try to play catch up with that, too, this week. And I just realized I haven't posted the Bible reading for the last couple of weeks. So that will be at the end of this post. So . . . today . . .

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
That's (Not Exactly) Amore
FaithWords (August 14, 2008)
by
Tracey Bateman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2).

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.

She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.


Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current story lines).

She has been married to her husband Rusty for 18 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.


ABOUT THE BOOK


When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right—she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.

Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way. Bravo!"
~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter of That's (Not Exactly) Amore, go HERE



Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, August 5—Psalms 68–69; Acts 24
Wednesday, August 6—Psalms 70–71; Acts 25
Thursday, August 7—Psalms 72–73; Acts 26
Friday, August 8—Psalms 74–76; Acts 27:1–26
Saturday, August 9—Psalms 77–78; Acts 27:27–44
Sunday, August 10—Psalms 79–80; Acts 28
Monday, August 11—Psalms 81–83; 1 Peter 1

Tuesday, August 12—Psalms 84–86; 1 Peter 2
Wednesday, August 13—Psalms 87–88; 1 Peter 3
Thursday, August 14—Psalms 89–90; 1 Peter 4
Friday, August 15—Psalms 91–93; 1 Peter 5
Saturday, August 16—Psalms 94–96; Galatians 1
Sunday, August 17—Psalms 97–99; Galatians 2
Monday, August 18—Psalms 100–102; Galatians 3

Dogwood by Chris Fabry

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dogwood
(Tyndale House Publishers - July 9, 2008)
by
Chris Fabry


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Chris Fabry has a variety of titles to his credit including At the Corner of Mundane and Grace, Spiritually Correct Bedtime Stories, Away with the Manger, The H.I.M. Book, and The 77 Habits of Highly Effective Christians. His latest work is a collaboration with Jerry B. Jenkins and Dr. Tim LaHaye.

Chris has recently completed the final book in the Left Behind The Kids series, available Fall 2004. Readers of all ages have followed the lives of Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and the others. Now read how their exciting stories culminate in book 40 of this beloved series. Dogwood is his first adult fiction.

Chris and his wife, Andrea, are the parents of nine children and make their home in Colorado. Chris has worked in Christian radio and now enjoys narrating audio books as well as writing. He believes his career as a husband and father is the real evidence of God's grace in his life.



ABOUT THE BOOK


In the small town of Dogwood, West Virginia, Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance from her deep passions and conflicts leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three small children and "do life" the best she can.

Will returns to Dogwood intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved--only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison. The secrets of Will and Karin's past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn't survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart.

The trigger that will lay their pain bare and force them to face it rather than flee is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman who leads Karin so deep into her anger against God that it forces unexpected consequences.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dogwood, go HERE

DragonLight by Donita K. Paul

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
DragonLight
(WaterBrook Press - June 17, 2008)
by
Donita K. Paul


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Donita K. Paul retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. She says, “I feel blessed to be doing what I like best.”

She mentors all ages, teaching teenagers and weekly adult writing workshops.

“God must have imprinted 'teacher' on me clear down to the bone. I taught in public school, then home schooled my children, and worked in private schools. Now my writing week isn’t very productive unless I include some time with kids.”

Her two grown children make her proud, and her two grandsons make her laugh.

Donita is an award-winning author of the Dragon Keeper Chronicle series including DragonFire and DragonKnight.

When not writing, she is often engaged in mentoring writers of all ages. Donita lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she is learning to paint–walls and furniture! Visit her website at www.dragonkeeper.us.



ABOUT THE BOOK
The fantastic land of Amara is recovering from years of war inflicted on its citizens by outside forces—as well as from the spiritual apathy corroding the Amarans’ hearts. With Kale and her father serving as dragon keepers for Paladin, the dragon populace has exploded. It’s a peaceful, exciting time of rebuilding. And yet, an insidious, unseen evil lurks just beneath the surface of the idyllic countryside.

Truth has never been more important, nor so difficult to discern.

As Kale and her father are busy hatching, bonding, and releasing the younger generation of dragons as helpers throughout the kingdom, the light wizard has little time to develop her skills. Her husband, Sir Bardon—despite physical limitations resulting from his bout with the stakes disease—has become a leader, serving on the governing board under Paladin. When Kale and Bardon set aside their daily responsibilities to join meech dragons Regidor and Gilda on a quest to find a hidden meech colony, they encounter sinister forces. Their world is under attack by a secret enemy… can they overcome the ominous peril they can’t even see?

Prepare to experience breathtaking adventure and mind-blowing fantasy as never before in this dazzling, beautifully-crafted conclusion to Donita K. Paul’s popular DragonKeeper Chronicles fantasy series.

If you would like to read the first chapter of DragonLight, go HERE

"DragonLight is a delight, but I wouldn't expect anything less from the marvelous Donita K. Paul. I heartily recommend her books to all ages who love inspirational fantasy and wonderful creatures. Ms. Paul not only supplies imagination and talent, she provides heart and soul. Another winner!"
~KATHRYN MACKEL, author of Boost

"Donita K. Paul is amazing! DragonLight has the allegorical depth to satisfy the most discerning adult seeking spiritual depth, yet it is fun enough to fascinate a child. This book will enthrall, uplift, and if allowed, change lives—as we are gently drawn to realize that each of us is flawed and must have patience with other flawed believers."
~HANNAH ALEXANDER, author of Double Blind

Interview with Donita K. Paul

Once again I'm glad to be able to welcome another writing friend to this blog. Donita is active with several writers' groups in Colorado, and she actively encourages every writer she meets. She's a huge encouragement to me, as a teacher and a writer, and I appreciate her tremendously.

Thank you, Donita, for joining me today.

How did you get started writing, and where has that journey taken you that you may not have expected starting out?
I started as an elementary school teacher. When I could not do that anymore, I turned to writing. I’ve been to Canada and DragonCon, two foreign lands. DragonCon was by far the more unfamiliar. I would have been shocked If I knew my books would be Christian fantasy bestsellers.

How do you balance family life with writing?
I don’t. I’m either frantically writing a book, or copiously loving my family.

How does your walk with the Lord affect your writing? And how do you balance time with the Lord with your writing schedule?
Because I am a Christian, it naturally flows onto the page. My writing schedule is time with the Lord.

Since my blog is geared to writers who want to improve their self-editing, could you briefly take us through your process of writing a novel—from conception to revision?
No. Being brief is not part of my makeup. Okay, I relent. (Did I forget to mention Donita's wonderful sense of humor?)

No, it’s not going to work. I sit down and start. I keep at it doggedly. I revise as I go as a procrastination technique. I use pre-readers and critique partners because I am insecure and need reassurance. I finish and send it off, hoping the editor likes it and doesn’t pester me with rewrites.

What kinds of things do you have to revise once your editor gets done with your manuscript?
Very minor things. I have never had a major rewrite. I do, however, have pre-readers. It is their job to holler if there is a gaping hole in the story line.

Would you tell us a little about your future projects?
I am working on another fantasy novel. It is set in the same world as Amara, in a different country. The story follows a young emerlindian named Tipper. Most of the characters are new, but there will be some encore appearances as well.

My daughter and I wrote two picture books about a dragon and a turtle who are best friends. Those come out in the Fall of 2009.

A friend of mine, who is a cognitive learning specialist, and I are co-writing an emergent reading series called Dragon Readers.

Finally, would you discuss DragonLight? The research, the idea, and the scope of the project?
Hmmm? Considering the way I answered the previous questions, do you seriously still think I even know the “scope of the project”? I will say that the Dragon Keeper Chronicles turned out to be more allegorical of the Christian walk than I anticipated. In a nutshell you could say:
DragonSpell—finding your talent
DragonQuest—developing your talent
DragonKnight—using your talent
DragonFire—teaching your talent to another similarly gifted
DragonLight—passing the mission on to the next generation


Thank you so much, Donita! We appreciate your time and the opportunity to spotlight your work.