John 3:16 by Nancy Moser

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
John 3:16
Tyndale House Publishers (September 9, 2008)
by
Nancy Moser


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including Solemnly Swear, Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner, and her latest historical, Washington's Lady.

Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Said So Sister Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included.

Find out more at Nancy Moser.com and Sister Circles.com


ABOUT THE BOOK

Five people looking for a reason to keep living are about to find it in the last place they expect. . . In my usual "big cast" style comes a story of what happens when one man puts his faith on the line and holds up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event. Roman Paulson's life revolves around his son, Billy, a University of Nebraska football hero with a promising life ahead of him. But when Billy's coach encroaches on Roman's relationship with his son, Roman fears he'll lose Billy forever. Roman isn't the only one whose world turns upside down. He's one of five unsuspecting people whose lives intersect on a bright fall day.

If you would like to read the first chapter of John 3:16, go HERE

Syrup, Sewer, and Sticky Notes

Okay, I'll admit I've been worked on the third s in the title all weekend. Just got it when I read Angie Hunt's over-the-weekend blog posts this morning. Check it out here.

Speaking of Angie, it was great to have her as the keynote speaker at the ACFW conference this year. I enjoyed getting to introduce my sister to her, as well. I appreciate Angie and her teaching through her speaking in the general sessions as well as all the fiction writing clinics I've taken with her over the last few years.

Now for the other parts of the title. Last Monday I set aside to deal with post-conference "stuff" — e-mails, regular mail, general catching up from being gone five days. I needed to water my very thirsty house plants, so I go to the cupboard where I keep my 1-quart measuring cup . . . to find that one of the sugar-free syrup bottles had fallen from the shorter top shelf onto the lower shelf. It was upside down with a broken lid (presumably from the "fall") and I was looking at a pile of sticky brown goo all over the bottom shelf. Took me a couple of days to actually get all that cleaned up.

Then Tuesday . . . I'm working on cleaning the cabinet and doing laundry. Go downstairs to move a load from the washer to the dryer. And . . . the sewer had backed up. Again. This is a regular occurrence at our house, thankfully one that took almost nine months to repeat itself this time. At least it's clean water that backs up when I'm doing laundry. *smile* So . . . I called the plumber. (Becky, quit laughing!!!) Got lots of exercise once the plumber arrived to do his thing, running upstairs to flush toilets, then downstairs to empty out the laundry tub—all part of the process of taking care of the blockage. Sigh. Today is the first day I'm not quite as sore as I've been between all the stairs and squatting to clean the lower cupboard.

And so went last week. Nothing planned. Everything minor in the grand scheme of things, but very frustrating as they took many more hours than I wanted to spend on any of them. But whenever I would get upset at how "my plans" for the week were pushed aside, the Lord would put another verse or gospel song or hymn in front of me reminding me that He is in control, He had allowed everything that happened, and His plan for me is still on track. The two words He constantly brought before me all week were perseverance and rest. Guess what I was already committed to teach yesterday in my Sunday school class. And guess what the messages at church were about. Yep. Perseverance (the opposite of apathy) and rest (faith).

And it continues. The verse of the day from Rest Ministries today: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (KJV)

The chorus of a song we've sung in choir that keeps running through my head: "Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Put your trust in God, believe in Me. You are Mine, do not be afraid." Hmmm . . . Okay, Lord. I get it! LOL (Yeah, I do tend to need this pounded into me. "Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief.")

So . . . I wonder what the "interruption" of the day will be today? Stay tuned. I'll let you know.

Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, September 30—Ezekiel 24–26; John 13:21–38
Wednesday, October 1—Ezekiel 27–29; John 14 (LOL The "rest" theme continues!)
Thursday, October 2—Ezekiel 30–32; John 15
Friday, October 3—Ezekiel 33–34; John 16
Saturday, October 4—Ezekiel 35–36; John 17
Sunday, October 5—Ezekiel 37–39; John 18:1–18
Monday, October 6—Ezekiel 40–41; John 18:19–40

When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
When the Soul Mends
WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)
by
Cindy Woodsmall


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel, When the Heart Cries, released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her last book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.

Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and daughter-in-law reside in Georgia. Her husband is a registered land surveyor and a vice president at an engineering firm. Their oldest son has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine and works at a local hospital. Their second son and his wife are both students at the University of Georgia. Their teen-aged son keeps the household energized with his love of music, books, and writing.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?

After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Soul Mends, go HERE

“A skillfully written story of forgiveness and redemption. Woodsmall’s authentic characters illustrate beautifully how wounded souls can indeed be mended.”
–Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy

“Like the stitches on a well-loved quilt, love and faith hold together Cindy Woodsmall's When the Soul Mends, the brilliantly written third story in the Sisters of the Quilt series. With deft plotting and characters that seem to jump off the page, this novel offers the timeless truth that forgiveness is the balm which heals all wounds and a blanket for the soul.”
–Kathleen Y’Barbo, author of Beloved Castaway

“What a vibrant, strong, emotional story! When the Heart Cries will grip you and not let go, I promise. Highly recommended!”
–Gayle Roper, author of Allah’s Fire and the Seaside Seasons series

“Reaching deep into the heart of the reader, Cindy Woodsmall pens a beautifully lyrical story in her debut novel When the Heart Cries.”
–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Rekindled

Review to come later.

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Faking Grace
Multnomah Books (August 19, 2008)
by
Tamara Leigh


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After Tamara Leigh earned a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology, she and her husband decided to start a family, with plans for Tamara to continue in her career once she became a mother.

When the blessing of children proved elusive, Tamara became convicted to find a way to work out of her home in order to raise the children she and her husband longed to have. She turned to writing, at which she had only ever dreamed of being successful, and began attending church. Shortly thereafter, her agent called with news of Bantam Books’ offer of a four-book contract. That same day, Tamara’s pregnancy was confirmed. Within the next year, she gave up her speech pathology career, committed her life to Christ, her first child was born, and her first historical romance novel was released.

As Tamara continued to write for the secular market, publishing three more novels with HarperCollins and Dorchester, she infused her growing Christian beliefs into her writing. But it was not enough, and though her novels earned awards and were national bestsellers, she knew her stories were lacking. After struggling with the certainty that her writing was not honoring God as it should, she made the decision to write books that not only reveal Christianity to non-believers, but serve as an inspiration for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. Her inspirational romances are peopled with characters in varying stages of Christian faith, from mature believers to new believers to non-believers on the threshold of awakening.

Tamara Leigh enjoys time with her family, volunteer work, faux painting, and reading. She lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, David, and two sons, Skyler and Maxen.

Two of her latest books are Splitting Harriet and Perfecting Kate.


ABOUT THE BOOK

All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be?

Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.

A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.

When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace.

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

“Tamara Leigh takes her experienced romance hand and delights readers with Chick-Lit that sparkles and characters who come alive.” - Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Trophy Wives Club

“A delightful, charming book! Faking Grace has romance, truth, and a dollop of insanity, making Tamara Leigh a permanent addition to my list of favorite authors. Enjoy!”
- Ginger Garrett, author of In the Shadow of Lions and Beauty Secrets of the Bible

“Tamara Leigh does a fabulous job looking at the faults, the love, the hypocrisy, and the grace of Christians in a way that’s entertaining and fun. Maizy Grace is a crazy character I couldn’t help but like. I loved this book and highly recommend it!”
- Camy Tang, author of Sushi for One? and Only Uni

Last Week's CFBA Tours

Well, I got to the hotel on Wednesday last week to attend the ACFW conference to learn that it would cost me $10.00 per day for Internet service. I paid for three days . . . then never had time to make it worth my while. Sigh. So . . . this post will catch us up on last week's CFBA tours and the Bible reading schedule. I'll post later and write up an account of the conference (which was awesome).

Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, September 23—Ezekiel 3–5; John 10:1–23
Wednesday, September 24—Ezekiel 1–3; John 10:24–42
Thursday, September 25—Ezekiel 4–6; John 11:1–29
Friday, September 26—Ezekiel 7–9; John 11:30–57
Saturday, September 27—Ezekiel 1–2; John 12:1–26
Sunday, September 28—Ezekiel 3–4; John 12:27–50
Monday, September 29—Ezekiel 5–7; John 13:1–20

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Isolation
FaithWords (September 12, 2008)
by
Travis Thrasher


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

It was during third grade after a teacher encouraged him in his writing and as he read through The Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis that Travis decided he wanted to be a writer. The dream never left him, and allowed him to fulfill that dream of writing full-time in 2007.

Travis Thrasher is the author of numerous works of fiction, including his most personal and perhaps his deepest work, Sky Blue, that was published in summer of 2007. This year he has two novels published, Out of the Devil’s Mouth, and a supernatural thriller, Isolation.

Travis is married to Sharon and they are the proud parents of Kylie, born in November, 2006, and Hailey, a Shih-Tzu that looks like an Ewok. They live in suburban Chicago.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Trapped

Exhausted

Terrified

. . . Alone

When a missionary family moves into a secluded mansion in the mountains of North Carolina, they think they are escaping their nightmares. But when a snowstorm hits and they are trapped inside their new home, their worst fears become reality. As they fight to stay alive, they will be tested in ways they never imagined. Can their love for one another and their faith in God save them from the dangers lurking here?

A masterfully written story that will grip you from its mysterious beginning to its chilling end.

From Publishers Weekly:

"In this dark chiller, Thrasher (Sky Blue; The Promise Remains) demonstrates a considerable talent for the horror genre. Like Stephen King, Thrasher pits flawed but likable characters against evil forces that at first seem escapable but gradually take on a terrifying ubiquity.

The Miller family has recently returned to suburban Chicago after a harrowing experience on the mission field. Hoping to get away from the busyness of suburban living, they travel to the mountains of North Carolina for an extended stay in an enormous, remote lodge where husband and father Jim plans to write a book while trying to reconnect with his family.

When a snowstorm isolates them further and spiritual attacks make them feel they are losing their minds, both Jim and his wife, Stephanie, begin to wonder if God can rescue them and their two young children. Aside from sharing too many plot points with The Shining, this novel hits very few false notes and should appeal to fans of Christian fiction, the horror genre, and all who enjoy well-crafted and suspenseful stories."

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



Review to come later

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Bride Bargain
Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2008)
by
Kelly Eileen Hake


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Life doesn't wait, and neither does Kelly Eileen Hake. In her short twenty-three years of life, she's achieved much. Her secret? Embracing opportunities and multitasking. Kelly received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract five years ago, she's reached several life goals. Aside from fulfilling fourteen contracts ranging from short stories to novels, she's also attained her BA in English Literature and Composition and earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools. If that weren't enough, she's taken positions as a college preparation tutor, bookstore clerk, and in-classroom learning assistant to pay for the education she values so highly. Currently, she is working toward her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. No matter what goal she pursues, Kelly knows what it means to work for it!

Kelly's dual careers as English teacher and author give her the opportunity explore and share her love of the written word. A CBA bestselling author and dedicated member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kelly is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents program, where she's been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader's Choice Awards; including Favorite New Author 2005, Top 5 Favorite Historical Novel 2005, and Top Five Favorite Author Overall 2006 in addition to winning the Second Favorite Historical Novel 2006!

Her Prairie Promises trilogy, set in the 1850s Nebraska Territory, features her special style of witty, heartwarming historical romance.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Set down upon the wild American plains during the 1850. Clara is desperate for a home and a future for herself and her aunt. When Clara Fields and her aunt are kicked off their wagon train, a store owner in Buttonwood offers a chance at redemption. If Clara is able to wed his grandson off to any of the local girls within a month, he'll sign over his two-story house.

Desperate to provide for the woman who raised her, Clara agrees to find a bride for the man's son—a stalwart bachelor. How hard can it be to find a bride for one handsome doctor? Apparently more difficult than she imagined when Saul Reed seems determined to remain single.

Will Clara's faith and wits help her wrangle a resolution to The Bride Bargain. Striking a bargain with a lonely trader to fool a head-strong doctor could lead Clara to an unexpected avenue of romance.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bride Bargain, go HERE

Speaking and Book Proposals

Lately I've been asked to edit several book proposals. So I was pleasantly surprised when someone from a newly established writer's group asked me to come speak about writing a proposal. The group meets at the Mississippi Avenue Baptist Church in Aurora, Colorado. And I evidently am the first speaker they've had. Just found that out this morning. *smile* I wasn't really nervous . . . until now.

But the nervousness was sure to come. Maybe that little statement made it a little more real to me. Truly I am amazed at the way God works with us as individuals. I shouldn't be, but it does. When I think of what I was like in high school, college, and into most of my twenties . . . well, God has brought me a long way. *smile* I am an introvert . . . every personality test I take shows that. My high school was the only one in McAllen, Texas, with the very basic name of McAllen High School. Yep, today McAllen boasts at least four high schools the last time I checked. Anyway, it was easy for me to "hide" in the midst of so many students and teachers. I had my circle of friends, and I very rarely had to put myself forward and do things solo . . . like speeches or singing solos.

In college I was "forced" to take speech—two semesters. Yikes!! There were maybe eight people in the class, seemed like a whole lot more. On my days to do a speech, I was literally sick. I had no problems writing them or memorizing them. But . . . when I stood up in front of the class, I shook like an aspen leaf, didn't project (couldn't, I was too busy controlling the hyperventilating that was going on!), and promptly forgot most of what I'd memorized. Sigh.

After college, I married and started teaching . . . first grade. I chose elementary education (I've always been a teacher, it's my primary spiritual gift) because I thought I could handle being around children all day. Surely God wouldn't expect me to face a classroom of high school students or adults. Not even upper elementary! Hmmm . . . somehow it escaped me that I would have to speak to parents at the beginning of school open house. Yep. All those freshman speech memories came crashing back. LOL

After I had Kathy, I was a stay-at-home mom! Perfect! Until the Lord asked me to work with the teens. . . . Okay, as long as I don't have to teach Sunday school. And I worked Sunday school nursery for years so that teaching wouldn't happen. That worked . . . until the Lord told me it was time to lead a ladies Bible study—our Precept teacher was moving and we needed a replacement. Very warily I took the training courses . . . and started to teach. By the time we moved to Colorado, the morning class had sixty ladies in it; the evening class had twenty. And yes, every Monday evening and every Thursday morning, I could barely eat. But God continued to encourage me and to bring me along. By that time, I was also teaching part-time at our Christian school—high school Spanish.

Do you see a trend here?? LOL Here in Colorado, the Lord continues to open up opportunities for me to teach ladies Bible studies. And for the past four years I've taught a ladies' Sunday school class, I've taught workshops at the Colorado Christian Writers conference, Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild, and other writers groups in the area. Tonight is the latest of these opportunities. I no longer get sick, thank goodness. And I now look forward to speaking. I do still get nervous, but that's normal. God is so good.

Back to the book proposals—the thought occurred to me last night as I was preparing for tonight's talk that this is something I can talk about on this blog. I know that lately all I've been doing is posting book reviews for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. And I will continue to do that. But I also know that isn't the primary reason for this blog . . . as you can tell from my header. So . . . starting next week—after the ACFW conference later this week (YIKES!! this week??? already?), I will start posting on book proposals and other writing and self-editing related topics at least twice a week. So please stay tuned.

Before I leave Wednesday morning for the conference, I have two fairly large editing projects to complete as well as speaking tonight in Aurora. I'm thinking sleep is something I'll do Wednesday night when I'm alone in my room. My sister, Kathy, is joining me on Thursday. I'm so excited that she's joined ACFW and will attend her first ACFW conference. And I'm looking forward to seeing so many writer and editor and agent friends again. I would appreciate your prayers as I work through this week.

Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, September 16—Lamentations 3–5; John 6:45–71
Wednesday, September 17—Amos 1–3; John 7:1–27
Thursday, September 18—Amos 4–6; John 7:28–53
Friday, September 19—Amos 7–9; John 8:1–27
Saturday, September 20—Ezekiel 1–2; John 8:28–59
Sunday, September 21—Ezekiel 3–4; John 9:1–23
Monday, September 22—Ezekiel 5–7; John 9:24–41

In the Shadow of Lions by Ginger Garrett

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
In the Shadow of Lions
David C. Cook; 1 edition (September 2008)
by
Ginger Garrett


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women.

Her newest release is Beauty Secrets of the Bible, (September 11, Thomas Nelson) based on the historical research that began in her work on Chosen. The book explores the connections between beauty and spirituality, offering women both historical insights and scientific proofs that reveal powerful, natural beauty secrets.

A frequent radio guest on stations across the country, including NPR and Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision, Ginger is also a popular television guest. Her appearances include Harvest Television, Friends & Neighbors, and Babbie's House. Ginger frequently serves as a co-host on the inspirational cable program Deeper Living.

In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. When she's not writing, you may spy Ginger hunting for vintage jewelry at thrift stores, running (slowly) in 5k and 10k races, or just trying to chase down one of her errant sheepdogs. A native Texan, she now resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.


ABOUT THE BOOK



"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world."

So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book . . . a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.

The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the Bible, persecuting anyone who dares read it.

Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals . . . and the sacred book that will inspire you anew. Fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury will love Ginger's intriguing combination of rich character development, artful settings, and inspiring historical insights.

If you would like to read an excerpt from In the Shadow of Lions, go HERE


Margie's comments: The review will come later. Right now, I'm swamped with work to get done before the ACFW conference next week. (ACK!!! next week??? Where does the time go? LOL) I am looking forward to reading Ginger's latest book, though. I read Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther and loved it. Which is why I chose to review this one. So stay tuned. *smile*

Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Wounded: A Love Story
David C. Cook (September 2008)
by
Claudia Mair Burney

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Claudia is the author of the popular Ragamuffin Diva blog and the David C. Cook novel Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black And White. She is also the author of Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz, and the Amanda Bell Brown Mysteries and the Exorsistah series for teens. Her work has appeared in Discipleship Journal magazine, The One Year Life Verse Devotional Bible, and Justice in the Burbs.

She lives in Michigan with her husband, five of their seven children, and a quirky dwarf rabbit.


ABOUT THE BOOK

SHE HAD A VISION OF CHRIST PLACING TWO PERFECT RED ROSES IN HER HANDS . . . AND THEN SHE WAS WOUNDED!

If a miracle happened to you, wouldn't you tell everyone? What if they thought you were crazy?

Gina Merritt, poor in health and rich in faith is the last person to expect a miracle to happen to her. As she sits in a pew on Ash Wednesday with throbbing pain in her knees and a raging migraine, she turns her concentration elsewhere and silently prays, "Share with me, Jesus."

Instantly she has a holy vision of the Son of God kneeling before her. As tears fill her eyes, Christ kisses Gina's hands, leaving two perfect red roses. When the vision fades, Gina's hands are bleeding.

Anthony Priest, the junkie sitting beside her, instinctively touches Gina when she cries out, but she flees in shock and pain. A prizewinning journalist before drugs destroyed his career, Anthony is stunned that he is suddenly overcome with a sense of well-being, and he instantly knows that he is cured of his addiction. Wanting an explanation, Anthony follows Gina home.

Is it a miracle, or just a religious delusion? It seems like everyone who knows of the mysterious stigmata has an opinion, and it's not always favorable. Putting aside their difference and their mutual distrust, Gina and Anthony embark on a search for answers. Along the way they encounter an uncertain evangelical pastor, a gentle Catholic priest, a certifiable religious zealot, and a transvestite drug dealer, all of whom lend their voices to the tale. It's a quest for truth, sanity, and grace … and an unexpected love story.

If you would like to read and excerpt from Wounded: A Love Story, go HERE




Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, September 9—Judges 7–8; John 3:19–36
Wednesday, September 10—Judges 9–10; John 4:1–30
Thursday, September 11—Judges 11–12; John 4:31–54
Friday, September 12—Judges 13–15; John 5:1–24
Saturday, September 13—Judges 16–18; John 5:25–47
Sunday, September 14—Judges 19–21; John 6:1–21
Monday, September 15—Lamentations 1–2; John 6:22–44

Up Pops the Devil by Angela Benson

This is a little late today. But I have a really good excuse! My daughter, Kathy, surprised me this morning with a weekend visit from London. Evidently her former coworkers helped her pull off the surprise . . . and believe me, I had no clue!! She's here as a surprise for her best friend, as well, who is getting married tomorrow. So of course my work plans for the weekend have flown out the window! It's sooooo good to see her. First time since January.

Okay, now the CFBA book tour for today:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Up Pops the Devil
Avon A (July 29, 2008)
by
Angela Benson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela has published nine novels, one novella, and a nonfiction writing book. Her books have appeared on national, regional, and local bestseller lists. She has won several writing awards, including Best Multicultural Romance from Romantic Times magazine and the Best Contemporary Ethnic Romance from Affaire de Coeur magazine. She was also a finalist for the 2000 Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award in Multicultural Romance.

Awakening Mercy is the first book in her Genesis House series from Tyndale House Publishers. Awakening Mercy was a finalist for both the RITA Award given by Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction. The second book in the Genesis House series, Abiding Hope, was published in September 2001. Abiding Hope was awarded the Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance presented by the Romance Slam Jam. The third book and final book of the series, Enduring Love, is not yet scheduled.

BET Books, now Harlequin's Kimani Press purchased the mass market rights to Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope in 2000 and released mass market editions of the titles in June 2002 and June 2003, respectively.

Angela's first hardcover title, The Amen Sisters, was released in September 2005 by Walk Worthy Press. The Essence bestselling title won the Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance. The trade paperback edition was released in November 2007.

Up Pops the Devil, published by HarperCollins (Avon A) in August 2008, is Angela's tenth novel.

Angela has a diverse education and work history. She majored in mathematics at Spelman College and Industrial Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and worked for fifteen years as an engineer in the telecommunications industry. She holds Masters degrees in operations research and human resources development. Her most recent degree is a doctorate in instructional technology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Benson is now an associate professor of educational technology at The University of Alabama.


ABOUT THE BOOK

This is the story of Wilford "Preacher" Winters and the four women—his fiancée Tanya, his sister Loretta, his old girlfriend Serena, and his new friend Natalie—who complicate his re-entry into society as a law-abiding Christian man after being incarcerated for two years for drug trafficking. Two hard years in prison have changed Wilford "Preacher" Winters for the better. He did his time, now he's going to "do the right thing." But the women in his life have other ideas.

Tanya, the sleek and sexy mother of his two kids, is much too comfortable with her pearls-and-Porsche lifestyle, and she'll do whatever it takes to maintain it. His sister, Loretta, kept "the business" running smoothly while Preacher was inside, and she can't believe he'd trade Easy Street bling for a nickel-and-dime dead-end job. His one-time girlfriend Serena, now married to his main man Barnard, is hiding a secret—and if past sins come to light, they'll ruin several lives and a very new, very precious friendship between Preacher and Barnard's beautiful-inside-and-out sister, Natalie.

With his world about to explode all around him, Preacher's going to need every ounce of his new-found faith to remain strong. Because it takes a lot to become a new man, sometimes even a miracle.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Up Pops the Devil, go HERE



Have a great weekend, everyone!

Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Back To Life
Avon Inspire (September 16, 2008)
by
Kristin Billerbeck


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristin Billerbeck was born in Redwood City, California. She went to San Jose State University and gained a bachelor's degree in Advertising, then worked at the Fairmont Hotel in PR, a small ad agency as an account exec, and then, she was thrust into the exciting world of shopping mall marketing.

She got married, had four kids, and started writing romance novels until she found her passion: Chick Lit. She is a CBA bestselling author and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year for What A Girl Wants in 2004, and again in 2006 for With this Ring. Featured in the New York Times, USA Today, World Magazine, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Kristin has appeared on the Today Show. She is credited with jump-starting the inspirational chick-lit phenomenon. Most recently she has been named as a finalist for the Christy Award in the Lits category for The Trophy Wives Club.

Her other recent books include: She's All That.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Lindsey realized when she married Ron, a man 17 years her senior, that the odds were he’d see heaven before her, but she never expected to be a widow at 35. There’s too much of life left for her to just sit around in mourning. But she can’t seem to kick start the rest of her life.

That is until she gets some help from Ron’s first wife, Jane, who shows up unexpectedly at her door one day as the executor of her husband’s estate. Jane is everything Lindsey’s not… independent, stubborn… and a lot older. Plus she has one surprise after another… including a son named Ron Jr. (she insists he’s not “really” Ron’s son). But an unlikely friendship develops as each woman begins to reevaluate what is really important, and owns up to the mistakes they’ve made in the past.

Told in the alternating voices of Jane and Lindsey, and with the return of many of the witty characters of The Trophy Wives Club, this book is a lighthearted, relatable read for when life goes in a direction you never planned. With faith and friends, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

If you would like to read an excerpt of chapter 1 of Back To Life, go HERE



Forgot to post this yesterday. We were in Savannah over the weekend and didn't have a good Internet connection to post Monday. Besides . . . we were on vacation! More on that later.

Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, September 2—Psalms 137–139; 2 Corinthians 11:16–33
Wednesday, September 3—Psalms 140–142; 2 Corinthians 12
Thursday, September 4—Psalms 143–145; 2 Corinthians 13
Friday, September 5—Psalms 146–147; John 1:1–28
Saturday, September 6—Psalms 148–150; John 1:29–51
Sunday, September 7—Judges 1–3; John 2
Monday, September 8—Judges 4–6; John 3:1–18