Guidance—Where Is God Leading You Today?

For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:6–7 NASB)

"But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. (Psalm 25:4)

"Let me know Your ways that I may know You." (Exodus 33:13)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5–6)

You will make known to me the path of life. (Proverbs 16:11)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)

"Do not walk carelessly nor lay out your own paths on which to travel. You cannot know what lies in the distance. So walk closely with Me, that you may be able to draw quickly upon My aid. No matter how well-developed your faith is, never think for a moment that you need My supposrt any less. Move forward with courage and confidence; but always allow Me to walk ahead and choose the right path." (Frances Roberts, Come Away My Beloved)

Are you sensing a theme here? LOL All this was in my quiet time with the Lord this morning. I am not kidding. Talk about laying out His purposes plainly. Can't get much clearer than that! So . . . I'm off to follow His way today, no matter where that leads me. It will be good because He will give me the strength and ability to accomplish His will today.

Where is God leading You today? Are you following? Even if it's not where you want to go? Wherever He leads, it is for our good and His glory.

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow
Abingdon Press (September 2009)
by
Joyce Magnin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joyce Magnin is the author of short fiction and personal experience articles. She co-authored the book, Linked to Someone in Pain. She has been published in such magazines as Relief Journal, Parents Express, Sunday Digest, and Highlights for Children.

Joyce attended Bryn Mawr College and is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship. She is a frequent workshop leader at various writer’s conferences and women’s church groups.

She has three children, Rebekah, Emily, and Adam; one grandson, Lemuel Earnest; one son-in-law, Joshua, and a neurotic parakeet who can’t seem to keep a name. Joyce leads a small fiction group called StoryCrafters. She enjoys baseball, football, cream soda, and needle arts but not elevators. She currently lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania.

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is her first published novel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is the story of an unusual woman, Agnes Sparrow. No longer able or willing to leave her home, where she is cared for by her long-suffering sister Griselda, Agnes has committed her life to the one thing she can do—besides eat. Agnes Sparrow prays and when Agnes prays things happen, including major miracles of the cancer, ulcer-healing variety along with various minor miracles, not the least of which is the recovery of lost objects and a prize-winning pumpkin.

The rural residents of Bright's Pond are so enamored with Agnes they plan to have a sign erected on the interstate that reads, "Welcome to Bright's Pond, Home of Agnes Sparrow." This is something Agnes doesn't want and sends Griselda to fight city hall.

Griselda's petitions are shot down and the sign plans press forward until a stranger comes to town looking for his miracle from Agnes. The truth of Agnes's odd motivation comes out when the town reels after a shocking event. How could Agnes allow such evil in their midst? Didn't she know?

Well, the prayers of Agnes Sparrow have more to do with Agnes than God. Agnes has been praying to atone for a sin committed when she was a child. After some tense days, the townsfolk, Griselda, and Agnes decide they all need to find their way back to the true source of the miracles—God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, go HERE

Review to come later. I have started the book, read several chapters. And I'm enjoying the book! I've already fallen in love with Btight's Pond and the people who live there. Can't wait to read more . . . but work beckons! LOL

Verse of the Day

The LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. (Psalm 126:3–5 NLT)

Fields of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Fields Of Grace
Bethany House (October 2009)
by
Kim Vogel Sawyer


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, singer of songs and lover of chocolate... but most importantly, she's a born-again child of the King!

A former elementary school teacher, Kim closed her classroom door in 2005 to follow God's call on her heart to write and speak. Now blessed with multiple writing contracts with Bethany House, Barbour, and Zondervan Publishing, Kim enjoys sharing her journey to publication as well as the miraculous story of her healing from a life-long burden of pain and shame.

Kim's gentle yet forthright testimony lends credence to the promise of Ps. 117:2--"Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever."


ABOUT THE BOOK

Will their Mennonite faith be shaken or strengthened by the journey to a new land?

With their eldest son nearly to the age when he will be drafted into military service, Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt decide to immigrate to America, the land of liberty, with their three sons and Reinhardt's adopted brother, Eli. But when tragedy strikes during the voyage, Lillian and Eli are forced into an agreement neither desires.

Determined to fulfill his obligation to Reinhardt, Eli plans to see Lillian and her sons safely settled on their Kansas homestead--and he's equally determined that the boys will be reared in the Mennonite faith. What he doesn't expect is his growing affection for Lillian--and the deep desire to be part of a family.

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

Margie's comments: Okay, I'll have to admit I'm a little prejudiced here. Kim not only is a dear friend, she's also one of my critique partners. So I get to read her books (and yes, critique) long before they are published. Today's post is a special treat for me.

Once again, Kim has told a story where the main theme is hope. Lillian and Reinhardt face a difficult decision when they decide to immigrate to the United States. While they had asked for their faith to be strengthened, they didn't expect the difficult ways the Lord would allow to test it. As their lives take some unexpected twists, God shows them that there is hope even in the darkest times.

Learning about the people and different ethnic backgrounds of the people who settled our country is one of my favorite parts of reading historical fiction. Kim draws on her family history to tell many of her stories. Yet she doesn't skimp on the research writing a historical requires. Field of Grace is no exception.

Verse of the Day

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14 ESV)

Verse of the Day

I know I've used this verse recently, but . . . I still need to be reminded of this, especially this week.

Listen, calm down. Don't be afraid. And don't panic. (Isaiah 7:4 MSG)

The American Christian Fiction Writers Awards 2009

Congratulations to all of the award winners this year!

2009 Mentor of the Year—Donita K. Paul
2009 Membership Service Award—John B. Olson
2009 Editor of the Year Award—Ami McConnell, Thomas Nelson
2009 Agent of the Year Award—Steve Laube, The Steve Laube Agency

2009 Book of the Year Contest
Debut Author—A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Lits—Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck
Long Contemporary—Symphony of Secrets by Sharon Hinck
Long Contemporary Romance—Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White
Long Historical (tie)—My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke
Mystery—For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls by Nancy Mehl
Novellas—Stuck on You in A Connecticut Christmas anthology by Rhonda Gibson
Short Contemporary—Family Treasures by Kathryn Springer
Short Contemporary Suspense—Broken Lullaby by Pamela Tracy
Short Historical—Family of the Heart by Dorothy Clark
Speculative—The Restorer’s Journey by Sharon Hinck
Suspense—Fossil Hunter by John B. Olson
Women’s Fiction—The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
Young Adult—The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones

ACFW 2009 Genesis Contest
Contemporary Fiction—Jennifer Griffith, Magpies in Trees
Contemporary Romance—Christy LaShea Smith, The Bridge Between
Historical Fiction—Christine Schmidtke, Unveiled
Historical Romance—Lacy Williams, Marrying Miss Marshal
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller—Alan Schleimer, Q.doc
Romantic Suspense—Jan Warren, Katherine Octavia, C.I.A.
Science-Fiction/Fantasy/Allegory—David Fry, Lies To See
Women’s Fiction—Cathleen Armstrong, The Church of Last Chance
Young Adult—Gretchen Hoffman, Rewind

Verse of the Day

A wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:9 ESV)

Verse of the Day

Then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9 MSG)

2009 ACFW Book of the Year Winners

The 2009 Book of the Year winners are:

DEBUT AUTHOR:
A Passion Most Pure (Julie Lessman)

LITS
Sweet Caroline (Rachel Hauck)

LONG CONTEMPORARY
Symphony of Secrets (Sharon Hinck)

LONG CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Controlling Interest (Elizabeth White)

LONG HISTORICAL - TIE
My Heart Remembers (Kim Vogel Sawyer)
I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires – Cathy Gohlke

MYSTERY
For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls (Nancy Mehl)

NOVELLAS
Stuck On You (Rhonda Gibson in A Connecticut Christmas

SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Family Treasures (Kathryn Springer)

SHORT CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE
Broken Lullaby (Pamela Tracy)

SHORT HISTORICAL
Family of the Heart (Dorothy Clark)

SPECULATIVE
The Restorer’s Journey (Sharon Hinck)

SUSPENSE
Fossil Hunter (John B. Olson)

WOMEN'S FICTION
The Shape of Mercy (Susan Meissner)

YOUNG ADULT
The Big Picture: Jenny B. Jones

Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dawn's Prelude
(Bethany House - October 2009)
by
Tracie Peterson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Ephesians 1:18 has become a cornerstone verse for a new non-fiction book she's been working on -- its also become a cornerstone in her life. The verse reads, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.






ABOUT THE BOOK

Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband's fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves.

Lydia, longing to put the memories of her painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt. Lydia's arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn't expect.

One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband's child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father's fortune? Lydia soon finds her life--and that of her child's--on the line.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dawn's Prelude, go HERE

Review to come later . . . after I recuperate from the ACFW Conference.

Verse of the Day

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16–18 NLT)

---

Huge Booksigning in Denver Saturday 9/19/09

As part of the ACFW conference, there is a booksigning open to the public Saturday afternoon at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. Over 100 authors are signing. If you are in the area, DO come to this event. What a wonderful way to meet all your favorite authors in one place.

Here are the details (copied from Brandilyn Collins' blog Forensics and Faith):

On Saturday Sept. 19 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. over 100 Christian novelists will gather for a public booksigning. The event will take place at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse Street.

Books of participating authors will be available to buy through the ACFW conference bookstore in the hotel. (Or bring in your already purchased books to have signed. In my case I have too many novels for the ACFW store to stock them all.)

Here is an alphabetical list of authors in attendance:

Carolyne Aarsen
Diane Ashley
Ruth Axtell Morren
Karen Ball
Rick Barry
Christina Berry
Lauralee Bliss
Diana Brandmeyer
Sandra Bricker
Margaret Brownley
Candace Calvert
Robin Caroll
Jeanie Smith Cash
Colleen Coble
Brandilyn Collins
Mary Connealy
Shirley Connolly
Margaret Daley
Susan Page Davis
Mary Davis
Janet Dean
Megan DiMaria
Lena Nelson Dooley
Wanda Dyson
Leanna Ellis
Pamela Ewen
Miralee Ferrell
Linda Ford
Tina Ann Forkner
Darlene Franklin
Judy Gann
Jeff Gerke
Rhonda Gibson
Debby Giusti
Sandra Glahn
Elizabeth Goddard
Winnie Griggs
Rene Gutteridge
Cathy Marie Hake
Lisa Harris
Mary Hawkins
Roxanne Henke
Cynthia Hickey
Patti Hill
Denise Hunter
Annette Irby
Myra Johnson
Liz Johnson
Jenny Jones
Eileen Key
LAURIE Kingery
Kathleen Kovach
Harry Kraus
Jeanne Marie Leach
Tosca Lee
Julie Lessman
Loree Lough
Elizabeth Ludwig
Richard Mabry
Debbie Macomber
Joyce Magnin
Gail Gaymer Martin
Judy/Jude Martin-Urban/Urbanski
Debby Mayne
Aaron McCarver
Vickie McDonough
Dana Mentink
Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll
DiAnn Mills
Stephanie Morrill
Janelle Mowery
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Kevin Parsons
Golden Keyes Parsons
Donita K. Paul
Tracie Peterson
Allie Pleiter
Cara Putman
Tara Randel
Deborah Raney
Sandra Robbins
Kim Sawyer
Marc Schooley
Michael Sheehan
Shelley Shepard Gray
Ann Shorey
Beth Shriver
Sandra Lee Smith
Virginia Smith
Betsy St. Amant
Therese Stenzel
Stuart Stockton
Alison Strobel
Michelle Sutton
Camy Tang
Donn Taylor
Janice (Hanna) Thompson
Missy Tippens
Pamela Tracy
Carrie Turansky
Deborah Vogts
Jenness Walker
Dan Walsh
Susan May Warren
Michael Webb
Kit Wilkinson
Lisa Wingate
Beth Wiseman
Kimberley Woodhouse
Lenora Worth
Cheryl Wyatt
Kathleen Y'Barbo

Verse of the Day

Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT)

---

Danger at the Door by Michelle Sutton

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Danger At The Door
(Desert Breeze September, 2009)
by
Michelle Sutton


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is Editor-in-chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, a member of ACFW, a social worker by trade, and a prolific reader/book reviewer/blogger the rest of the time.

She lives in Arizona with her husband of nineteen years and her two teenaged sons. Michelle is also the author of It's Not about Me (2008) and It's Not About Him (Sheaf House 2009). She has nine other titles releasing over the next three years.






ABOUT THE BOOK


Upon her fiancé's death, Laney became a recluse who only left her home for emergencies. She managed to survive - barely - on food delivery service and her work-at-home job. When she tries to move on from her grief, the commemorative meal she orders is ruined. However, it leads to an unlikely friendship with an attractive man, Bojan, who speaks little English.

As he befriends Laney he continually says the wrong things, but he doesn't give up trying to win her trust. Meanwhile, she has this strange feeling of being watched and wonders if she's losing her mind.

Complicating things further, every time she leaves her house something bad happens, confirming that she is safer at home. Can Bojan convince Laney she'll be safe with him, or will his presence put her in further danger? Will he be able to protect the woman he loves before it's too late?


If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Danger At The Door, go HERE

Review to come.

Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Just Between You And Me
Thomas Nelson (September 1, 2009)
by
Jenny B. Jones


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I write Christian fiction with a few giggles, quite a bit of sass, and lots of crazy. My novels include the Katie Parker Production series and So Not Happening. I would also like to take credit for Twilight , but somewhere I think I read you’re not supposed to lie.

When I’m not typing my heart out (or checking email), I teach at a super-sized high school in Arkansas.

My students are constantly telling me how my teaching changes their lives and turned them away from drugs, gangs, and C-SPAN.

Okay, that’s not exactly true.

Since my current job leaves me with very little free time, I believe in spending my spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits such as:

-watching E!
-updating my status on Facebook
-catching Will Ferrell on YouTube and
-writing my name in the dust on my furniture

I’d love to hear about you, so drop me a note. Or check me out on Facebook.




ABOUT THE BOOK

The only thing scarier than living on the edge is stepping off it.
Maggie Montgomery lives a life of adventure. Her job as a cinematographer takes her from one exotic locale to the next. When Maggie's not working, she loves to rappel off cliffs or go skydiving. Nothing frightens her.

Nothing, that is, except Ivy, Texas, where a family emergency pulls her back home to a town full of bad memories, painful secrets, and people Maggie left far behind . . . for a reason.

Forced to stay longer than she intended, Maggie finds her family a complete mess, including the niece her sister has abandoned. Ten-year-old Riley is struggling in school and out of control at home. The only person who can really handle the pint-sized troublemaker is Conner, the local vet and Ivy's most eligible bachelor. But Conner and Maggie keep butting heads--he's suspicious of her and, well, she doesn't rely on anyone but herself.

As Maggie humorously fumbles her way from one mishap to another, she realizes she's going to need to ask for help from the one person who scares her the most.

To save one little girl--and herself--can Maggie let go of her fears and just trust God?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Just Between You And Me, go HERE

Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Remembering where I was eight years ago. On our way to school, Randy and I were listening to the radio when the first tower was hit. By the time we walked into the school, the second plane flew into the second tower. Talk about changed lesson plans! God gave me these verses to share with my students (which then included Randy). They were a comfort then, they are still a comfort today.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. (Psalm 46:1–3)

ACFW Conference Next Week

Wow! Already it's conference time again. Having it in Denver this year is so exciting for me. *smile* If you've been thinking about attending this year, it's not too late to register! I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of new friends this year. Will I see you there?

"The Premier Christian Fiction Conference"

STANDING FIRM...MOVING FORWARD

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

DENVER, COLORADO
SEPTEMBER 17 - 20, 2009

Bestselling authors, publishing industry representatives, and newcomers to Christian fiction writing will gather in Denver at the American Christian Fiction Writer’s annual conference September 17-20 to compare notes, learn from each other, and encourage one another in the pursuit of publishing goals.

This year’s conference theme , Standing Firm…Moving Forward, will especially inspire the full range of talent and dreams in the ever-changing publishing world today.

This amazing conference will feature representatives from major publishing houses like B & H, Guideposts, Zondervan, Harvest House, Barbour, Steeple Hill, Summerside Press, Bethany House, Waterbrook Multnomah, Marcher Lord Press, Tyndale House, and Thomas Nelson, and top literary agents who will meet with writers and identify promising proposals from both new and veteran novelists. Conferees will have access to publishing panels, professional critiques, and customized workshops based on skills and interests.

The keynote speaker is New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Macomber, who has more than 100 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Learn more about the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference by visiting www.acfw.com . Click on the left sidebar on Annual Conference.

Verse of the Day

Stay [wait] with GOD! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay [wait] with GOD. (Psalm 27:14 MSG)

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). (Psalm 55:22 AMP)

---

The Blue Enchantress by M. L. Tyndall

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Blue Enchantress
Barbour Books (August 1, 2009)
by
M.L.Tyndall


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



M. L. (MaryLu) Tyndall grew up on the beaches of South Florida loving the sea and the warm tropics. But despite the beauty around her, she always felt an ache in her soul—a longing for something more.

After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.

Still searching for purpose, adventure, and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.

One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she'd only give her heart to Him completely.

She had written stories her whole life, but never had the confidence to try and get any of them published. But as God began to change her heart, He also showed her that writing had been His wonderful plan for her all along!

Her other current release in the Charles Towne Belles series includes The Red Siren.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Betrayed by the man she longed to marry, Hope Westcott is about to be auctioned off as a slave to the highest bidder on an island in the Caribbean. After enduring a difficult childhood in an unloving home, Hope's search for love and self-worth have led her down a very dangerous path. All she ever wanted was to find true love and open an orphanage where she could raise children with all the love she never experienced as a child. But how can a woman with a sordid past ever hope to run an orphanage, let alone attract the love of an honorable man?

Determined to overcome the shame of his mother's past, Nathaniel Mason worked for many years to build his own fleet of merchant ships in an effort to finally acquire the respect of Charles Towne society. Ignoring the call of God on his life to become a preacher, he forges ahead with his plans for success at a distant port in the Caribbean, when he sees a young lady he knows from Charles Towne being sold as a slave. In an effort to save Hope, he is forced to sell one of his two ships, only to discover that her predicament was caused by her own bad behavior. Angry and determined to rid himself of her as soon as possible, Nathaniel embarks on a journey that will change the course of his life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Blue Enchantress, go HERE

View The Book Trailer:






Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7 NLT)

Verse of the Day

Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:7–8 NLT)

Verse of the Day

Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. (Joshua 21:45 ESV) He's still the same today . . . ALL His promises come to pass.

Verse of the Day

"Take care and be calm, have no fear and do not be fainthearted." (Isaiah 7:4)

Verse of the Day

Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be. (1 Thessalonians 5:22 AMP)

Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. (2 Timothy 2:19 AMP)

September ACFW New Releases

I'm going to start posting the ACFW new releases here each month. So here's September's list.

September ACFW New Releases
1. A Blue and Gray Christmas, by Carrie Turansky , Vickie McDonough , Lauralee Bliss Tamela Hancock Murray from Barbour Publishing. A Blue and Gray Christmas highlights the faith and courage of four couples who remained true to their convictions and found lasting love despite the hardships of the Civil War.

2. A Man of His Word, Book 1 in the Hearts of Middlefield Series, by Kathleen Fuller from Thomas Nelson. Moriah’s heart will only be safe with a man of his word.

3. A Silent Fury, by Lynette Eason from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Detective Catelyn Clark and her ex-boyfriend, FBI agent Joseph Santino, must overcome their rocky past while working to solve the murder of a deaf student and find the friend who’s still missing.

4. Always Ready, Book 1, by Susan Page Davis from Heartsong. Two Coast Guard officers find danger and romance in the hostile seas of Alaska.

5. An Amish Christmas, by Kathleen Fuller, , Beth Wiseman, from Thomas Nelson. Follow the lives of three Amish families through the Christmas season.

6. Beautiful Ugly, by Shelia Lipsey from Kensington Publishing Corp. Three friends need plenty of faith in God and support from each other to see their real beauty lies within.

7. Cowboy Christmas, by Mary Connealy from Barbour. A secretive singer with trouble following her, and a cowboy who hates liars, especially female liars, need a Christmas miracle to take a chance on love.

8. Fields of Grace, by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House. A Russian Mennonite family fights to survive and maintain their faith in a new land.

9. It’s Not about Him, Second Glance Series, Book #2, by Michelle Sutton from Sheaf House. Two young Christians with an unplanned pregnancy where she wants to place her child in a good home but he wants to marry her so she’ll keep her child even though it’s not his.

10. Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio, by Annalisa Daughety from Summerside Press. A summer in Charm, Ohio, gives Emma Miller the chance to decide once and for all what she wants from life—but soon finds herself pulled between two worlds.

11. Painted Desert, by Nancy Farrier from Barbour. As modern life takes unexpected turns, love comes knocking on the doors of three Arizona women’s lives.

12. Protector’s Honor, by Kit Wilkinson from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Rory Farrell searches for the link between Tabitha Beaumont and his ongoing murder investigation, but to protect her, he’ll have to her trust as well.

13. Raising Rain, by Debbie Fuller Thomas from Moody Publishers. A single woman desperate for a child and the 3 college roommates who raised her meet her terminally ill mother on a stormy weekend and confront the past.

14. The Transformation, Project Restoration Series Book 3, by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. Can a good, hard-working Christian man disregard his cultural and religious admonitions—as well as his mother’s plans for his life—for the love of a woman and an historic church building?

15. The Unfinished Gift, by Dan Walsh from Revell, Division of Baker Publishing Group. Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is an engaging story of reconciliation between a father and son, and how God uses an unexpected gift from the past to mend this broken family.

16. Tidings of Great Boys, All About Us #5, by Shelley Adina from Hatchette FaithWords. Lady Lindsay (Mac) MacPhail invites her classmates home to her castle in Scotland for an unforgettable Christmas.

17. Wild West Christmas, by Lena Nelson Dooley , Kathleen Y’Barbo , Vickie McDonough , Darlene Franklin from Barbour. Christmas courtships corral four sisters in Texas.

Verse of the Day

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Celtic Treasure by Liz Babbs

Celtic Treasure by Liz Babbs was released early this summer in Britain. Today, September 1, is the U.S. release. Not wanting to wait until now to get my copy, I went to Amazon.com and found that they were selling it before today's release date. So I've had my copy for several weeks and have enjoyed reading and absorbing the truths in it.

It's a simple gift book, beautifully illustrated with scenes from Landisfarne and Iona and other Celtic religious strongholds of the past. In eight short chapters, Liz introduces us to some of the early religious leaders and the beliefs they emphasized, such as prayer and solitude, the God of creation, creativity that speaks of man being created in the image of God, community and hospitality, and life. Liz has done a lot of research into the lives and writings of these men and women and shares with us their thoughts that have been preserved through the centuries since they lived. She also shares many of her poems and thoughts that have come about from her research. My favorite poem in the book was taken from St. Patrick's breastplate. Liz's original poetry that she includes in the book can also be found on her blog, along with the story of how Celtic Treasure came to be. Celtic Treasure gives the reader much to absorb and meditate on in light of scriptural truth.

Check out your local bookstore to find a copy. Kregel is the U.S. publisher for this latest book from Liz Babbs.

Verse of the Day

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. . . . Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Timothy 6:11–14 ESV)

---