Judgment Day by Wanda Dyson

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Judgment Day WaterBrook Press (September 21, 2010)


by Wanda Dyson





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda Dyson – "a shining example of what Christian fiction is becoming..." (Christian Fiction Review). She's been called a "natural" and a "master of pacing," but her fans know that whether it's police thrillers, suspense, or bringing a true story to life, Wanda knows how to take her readers on a journey they'll never forget.



Wanda is a multipublished suspense author, currently writing for Random House/Waterbrook. Her one attempt at a nonfiction book was picked for an exclusive release on Oprah. In addition to writing full time, she is also the appointment coordinator for the CCWC, Great Philadelphia Christian Writers, and ACFW conferences.



Wanda lives in Western Maryland on a 125 acre farm with a menagerie of animals and when she's not writing critically acclaimed suspense, or away at conferences, you can find her zipping across the fields on a 4-wheeler with Maya, her German Shepherd, or plodding along at a more leisurely pace on her horse, Nanza.



With the release of her newest hit, Judgment Day, Wanda is heading back to the keyboard to start on her next high-octane thriller, The Vigilante.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.



The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions.



Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find her deceased boyfriend, Dr. Guy Mandeville’s nurse, Cecelia Forbes unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Cecelia is dead, Suzanne has her blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.



Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.



Watch the book trailer:







If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Judgment Day, go HERE.


Margie's comments: Wanda Dyson is back with another hard-to-put-down thriller, Judgment Day. I love the characters. And the plot zips full-tilt to the end. And Marcus definitely has his work cut out for him with headstrong, self-serving Suzanne and his gutsy, don't-pull-any-punches partner, Alex. Definitely a book I highly recommend.

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

Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. (Ephesians 1:4 MSG)

The Secret of the Shroud by Pamela Ewen

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


The Secret of The Shroud B&H Books (September 1, 2010)


by Pamela Ewen





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pamela’s first novel, Walk Back the Cat (Broadman & Holman. May, 2006) is the story of an embittered and powerful clergyman who learns an ancient secret, confronting him with truth and a choice that may destroy him.

She is also the best-selling author of the acclaimed non-fiction book Faith on Trial, published by Broadman & Holman in 1999, currently in its third printing.

Although it was written for non-lawyers, Faith on Trial was also chosen as a text for a course on law and religion at Yale Law School in the Spring of 2000, along with The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. Continuing the apologetics begun in Faith on Trial, Pamela also appears with Gary Habermas, Josh McDowell, Darrell Bock, Lee Strobel, and others in the film Jesus: Fact or Fiction, a Campus Crusade for Christ production.

Her most recent novel, The Moon in the Mango Tree (B&H Publishing Group, May 2008) is currently available online and in bookstores everywhere. Set in the 1920’s and based on a true story, it is about a woman faced with making a choice between career and love, and her search for faith over the glittering decade. Pamela’s upcoming book, Dancing on Glass, which was recently short-listed as a finalist for the Faulkner/Wisdom creative writing novel award, will be released in the spring of 2011, and she is currently working on a sequel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A frightened apostle in AD 33, a tragic child in the 1950s, and a slick, twenty-first century church leader are all linked by the secret of the Shroud of Turin, the purported burial cloth of Jesus—and by something more.

Wesley Bright, a corrupt, media-savvy clergyman, is out to destroy the Christian church of the God who abandoned him in his boyhood. Likable and entertaining, Bright keeps his motives well hidden. But as he seeks revenge, leading the church toward unknowing destruction, the mysterious Shroud of Turin stands in his way.

Strange characters and clues emerge like shadows limned in mist as the most recent discoveries on the Shroud connect the pieces of a fascinating puzzle. When Wesley learns the ancient secret, he’s forced to confront a terrible choice: keep the secret—and the power, wealth, and fame he’s won over the years—or expose it . . . and lose everything.

At stake is one thing: absolute truth.


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Secret of The Shroud, go HERE.


Haven't received my review copy yet, so the review is coming later.

Verse of the Day

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; 
The righteous runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

National Punctuation Day

Today is National Punctuation Day. Here's a link to Victor Borge talking about punctuation. (Yes, commas are included!)

http://artofeloquence.com/blog/natl-punctuation-day/


Enjoy!

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Love's First Bloom


Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)


by Delia Parr





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.









ABOUT THE BOOK

Ruth Livingstone's life changes drastically the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her to a small village in New Jersey under an assumed name. There Ruth pretends to be a widow and quietly secludes herself until her father is acquitted of a crime.

But with the emergence of the penny press, the imagination of the reading public is stirred, and her father's trial stands center stage. Asher Tripp is the brash newspaperman who determines that this case is the event he can use to redeem himself as a journalist.

Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River--a place where she can find a measure of peace in the midst of the sorrow that continues to build. It is also here that Asher Tripp finds a temporary residence, all in an attempt to discover if the lovely creature known as Widow Malloy is truly Ruth Livingstone, the woman every newspaper has been looking for.

Love begins to slowly bloom...but is the affection they share strong enough to withstand the secrets that separate them?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's First Bloom, go HERE.


Review to come later. Loving the characters and the story so far. 

Verse of the Day

O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8)

God IS good . . . ALL the time!

Self-Editing Tips — Comma Review Part 3

 More comma rules and guidelines:

Sentences containing parenthetical material usually need commas, depending on the type and necessity of the information. Take a look at the following examples:

1. Miss Piggy who is considered by most to be the star contributes to the success of the show.

2. Computers moreover play a vital role in all businesses and at the same time encourage new and fascinating approaches to the various fields of education.

3. Jerry a student in my Fundamentals of Writing course informed me that she could not find the word mnemonic in her pocket dictionary.

Commas are needed in all these sentences, so let’s take a closer look at where and why.

1. Miss Piggy, who is considered by most to be the star, contributes to the success of the show.

The clause who is considered by most to be the star gives us more information about Miss Piggy than is needed for this sentence to make its point. So we set it off with commas.

2. Computers, moreover, play a vital role in all businesses and, at the same time, encourage new and fascinating approaches to the various fields of education.

Moreover and at the same time are adverb phrases that aren’t really needed since they don’t affect the meaning of the sentence if we leave them out. Yet they do help direct our thinking, so when they are included we set them off with commas.

However, if the adverb is essential to the sentence, then we leave the commas out. For example:

The storehouse was indeed empty.
Two students cheated and were therefore disqualified.

3. Jerry, a student in my Fundamentals of Writing course, informed me that he could not find the word mnemonic in her pocket dictionary.

The phrase, a student in my Fundamentals of Writing course, renames the subject Jerry. Either used alone as the subject is valid.

Jerry informed me that he could not find the word mnemonic in her pocket dictionary.
A student in my Fundamentals of Writing course informed me that he could not find the word mnemonic in her pocket dictionary.

So when both are used, the restatement of the noun/subject is set off with commas. (This restatement of a subject is called an appositive.)


That’s enough for today. Next week we’ll continue with the parenthetical material as it relates to essential and nonessential clauses and phrases . . . and how to tell the difference.

This next comma "rule" is in a state of flux: when to use the comma in direct address. Used to be that anytime someone was spoken to using their name in dialogue, it was set apart with commas. And that rule still applies in sentences like these examples:

Officer, can you direct me toward the Southeast Expressway?
You have too many ands, buts, and sos in your essay, Dora.
For the moment, Carl, let's leave it alone.

However, today there is a shift toward dropping some of those commas in very short sentences/fragments. Like:

"But John . . ."

Go with your ear on these. If you don't put a pause in before saying the person's name, then leave the comma out.


Next week we'll wrap up the review on comma usage.

Verse of the Day

So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. (Ephesians 6:11 MSG)

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


In Every Heartbeat Bethany House (September 1, 2010)


by Kim Vogel Sawyer





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.



ABOUT THE BOOK

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a cherished dream.



Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible.



But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well. And when Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?



If you would like to read the first chapter of In Every Heartbeat, go HERE.


Margie's comments: When I pick up a book written by Kim Vogel Sawyer, I know I will get a quiet, gentle read. Her characters are well-developed, including the spiritual aspect. Her settings are interesting. And the plots are intriguing. And I can always count on the message of hope that resonates in every story. In Every Heartbeat did not disappoint. We got to know Pete and Libby as children in My Heart Remembers. So, for me, it was great to reconnect with them as young adults. We all can relate to having dreams we pursue, hoping to see them fulfilled in spite of the obstacles encountered along the way. These are the experiences that shape and mold us, according to the choices we make. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the choices Libby, Pete, and Bennett as they pursued their dreams affected who they became by the end of the book. This is an historical fiction I can highly recommend.

Verse of the Day

O our God . . . we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV)

ACFW Annual Awards

The awards ceremony was Sunday evening at the annual ACFW conference. I didn't get to attend the conference this year (the first one I've missed since I joined in 2004), but I was able to follow the events of the evening on the live blog Tyson Wynn managed.

So here are the awards:

• Genesis Awards (for unpublished authors)

• Contemporary Fiction: Lynnette P. Horner, The Assistant
• Contemporary Romance: Janice LaQuiere, Truckload of Love
• Historical Fiction: Brenda Jackson, Principle Engagement
• Historical Romance: Pam Hillman, Terms of Indenturement
• Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: Rich Bullock, Storm Lake/Storm Song
• Romantic Suspense: Valerie Goree, Weep in the Night
• Speculative Fiction: Andra Marquardt, Traitors
• Women’s Fiction: Jennifer Fromke, Docking
• Young Adult: Stefanie Morris, Shyla, Desert Daughter/Shyla, Child of the Desert

• Mentor of the Year

• o Susan May Warren

• Member Service Award

• Fay Lamb

• Editor of the Year

• Sue Brower, Zondervan

• Agent of the Year

• Sandra Bishop, MacGregor Literary

• ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award

• Carol Johnson

• 2010 Carol Awards (formerly Book of the Year Award, for published authors, books published in 2009)

• Contemporary Novella: Susan May Warren, The Great Christmas Bowl (Tyndale House; Karen Watson, Editor)
• Historical Novella: Janet Tronstad, Christmas Bells for Dry Creek (Steeple Hill; Tina James, Editor)
• Short Contemporary: Mae Nunn, A Texas Ranger's Family (Steeple Hill; Melissa Endlich, Editor)
• Short Contemporary Suspense: Jill Elizabeth Nelson, Evidence of Murder (Steeple Hill; Emily Rodmell, Editor)
• Short Historical: Dan Walsh, The Unfinished Gift (Revell; Andrea Doering, Editor)
• Young Adult: Jenny B. Jones, I'm So Sure (Thomas Nelson; Natalie Hanemann/Jamie Chavez, Editors)
• Long Contemporary: Christina Berry, The Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers; Paul Santhouse, Editor)
• Long Contemporary Romance: Jenny B. Jones, Just Between You and Me (Thomas Nelson; Natalie Hanemann/Jamie Chavez, Editors)
• Mystery: A.K. Arenz, The Case of the Mystified M.D. (Sheaf House; Joan M. Shoup, Editor)
• Suspense/Thriller: Terri Blackstock, Intervention (Zondervan; Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors)
• Long Historical: Allison Pittman, Stealing Home (Multnomah; Alice Crider, Editor)
• Long Historical Romance: Mary Connealy, Cowboy Christmas (Barbour Publishing; Rebecca Germany, Editor)
• Speculative: Kirk Outerbridge, Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press; Jeff Gerke, Editor)
• Women’s Fiction: Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay, Never the Bride (Waterbrook Press; Shannon Marchese, Editor)
• Debut Author: Dan Walsh, The Unfinished Gift (Revell; Andrea Doering, Editor)

Verse of the Day

Then [Christ] 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)

Verse of the Day

Don't shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think. Don't be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear. God's in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.(Ecclesiastes 5:2 MSG)

The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn

I received Davis Bunn's latest book, The Black Madonna, from Glass Road Public Relations for review. It is the second Storm Syrrell adventure, and continues to chronicle the antique dealer's escapades that started in Gold of Kings. I've not read the first one, but after reading The Black Madonna, I'm hooked, and I'll be looking for Gold of Kings.

I don't normally care to start a series with a second or third book, but the characters and plot line were written so well in The Black Madonna that it could very well stand alone. Yes, there were a few allusions to events in the first book, but they lasted long enough to give them context in this story and then moved on.

In The Black Madonna we're immediately plunged into intrigue when Harry Bennett, a treasure seeker, is caught in a bombing in Hebron. It soon becomes apparent that there is more going on than being caught in a random bombing in Israel. Storm Syrrell, facing bankruptcy with the family business, gains a new, anonymous client with a very deep pocket—a definite boon to her business. But then her best friend Emma Webb, a Homeland Security agent, is pulled into the events when she learns that Harry is dead and Storm has been called away to a mysterious meeting in London. When the CIA comes to question Emma about her friendships with Harry and Storm, Emma and her boss realize there is more under the surface than anyone wants to reveal.

After several kidnapping attempts, a tension-filled rescue out of Israel, a strange visit to Poland, an attempted murder, and several more seemingly unconnected antique acquisitions, Storm and Emma race to discover what is going on in the background.

The Black Madonna is an excellent blend or adventure, romance, and intrigue—all of which I've come to expect from Davis Bunn. It did not disappoint, and I highly recommend this book. I look forward to more excellent reads in this series.

More Than Words by Judith Miller

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


More than WordsBethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)


by


Judith Miller





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson  who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history....



With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series. Please check those out on the "My Books" page on my website.



God's design on the lives of His people never ceases to amaze me! Because I am eternally grateful for my own forgiveness and salvation, I strive to share God's desire to pull us from the mire of sin and set us free to live exciting lives for Him. Through His abundant grace and love, God gifts and equips each of us to share the story of salvation and eternal life. Won't you share His story using the special gifts He has given you?





ABOUT THE BOOK

Journey to the charming villages of the Amana Colonies, 1885       



Gretchen Kohler is an Amana storekeeper's daughter with a secret passion for writing. But artistic pursuits are frowned upon in her conservative Amana village, so she confines her poems and stories to her journals, letting only close friends read them.



When a young reporter comes into her store, she believes she's found a kindred spirit. She shares a few of her stories with him--only to have her trust betrayed in the worst of ways, resulting in trouble for her entire community.



The scandal is made even worse by the fact that gypsies have camped nearby and seem to be preying upon the Amanans' compassionate, pacifist nature. Will Gretchen lose her job, her reputation, and the love of her childhood beau all because of one bad decision?



Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.



If you would like to read the first chapter of More than Words, go HERE.


Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 ESV)

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. (Psalm 5:11 ESV)

Self-Editing Tips — Comma Review Part 2

Another use of commas that raises a lot of questions is the introductory comma—or more specifically, the comma used to set off introductory material in a sentence.

Let’s look at the following sentences without commas. Try to determine if a comma is needed, and if so, where the comma should go. (The examples I’m using come from Punctuation Plain and Simple by Edgar C. and Jean A. Alward.)

1. Walking through the woods on a brisk fall day can provide us with many rewarding experiences.

2. Having checked all accounts receivable the clerk concluded that somebody must have given him $24 too much.

3. To achieve the highest standards possible the school committee hired the best-qualified teachers available.

4. Without any obligation order your sample record today.

5. In a few cases you will find a winner.

6. At the edge of the deep Main woods near Moosehead Lake he built a small log cabin.

7. Consequently Tom must make the decision.

Okay, now let’s look at the answers and the reasons we use or don’t use a comma in these sentences.

1. Walking through the woods on a brisk fall day can provide us with many rewarding experiences.
This sentence doesn’t need a comma. The gerund phrase (Walking through the woods on a brisk fall day) is the subject of the sentence and can’t be separated from its predicate (can provide).

2. Having checked all accounts receivable, the clerk concluded that somebody must have given him $24 too much.
This is a participial (adjective) phrase describing the clerk. So it needs to be set apart from the rest of the sentence with a comma. Even if we moved that phrase to after clerk, we would need to set it off with commas: The clerk, having checked all accounts receivable, concluded that somebody must have given him $24 too much.

Hint: If you can put the phrase from the beginning of the sentence into the sentence somewhere, it needs a comma when used as an introduction to the sentence.

3. To achieve the highest standards possible, the school committee hired the best-qualified teachers available.
This is an infinitive phrase (to achieve is an infinitive: to + a verb). Again, for clarity and because of the natural pause after such a phrase, we need the comma.

4. Without any obligation, order your sample record today.
This does need a comma for clarity. This prepositional phrase has a natural pause after it, and therefore would use the comma. However . . .

5. In a few cases you will find a winner.
Usually, if one short prepositional phrase begins the sentence, it doesn’t need a comma after it. And since the trend is going toward fewer commas, this is a good place to delete one. But . . .

6. At the edge of the deep Maine woods near Moosehead Lake, he built a small log cabin.
There’s always the exception. *smile* Because this sentence starts out with three prepositional phrases, we need the comma—to indicate a pause, if for no other reason. Without it, reading this sentence makes me breathless.

7. Consequently, Tom must make the decision.
Single adverbs at the beginning of sentences—especially those that end in –ly—usually have a comma after them. Then and now would be the exception. If these words flow smoothly into the sentence (think Now what? or Then let’s go.), don’t put a comma after them. If it’s a “throwaway” word, like well or oh, then definitely put in the comma.


I hope this discussion on the introductory comma is helpful to you. Please leave a comment if you have more questions about this, or any other punctuation/editing confusion.

Verse of the Day

"Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him. (Job 13:15)

Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Immanuel's Veins Thomas Nelson (September 7, 2010)


by Ted Dekker





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Ted Dekker is a New York Times best-selling author of more than twenty novels. He is best known for stories which could be broadly described as suspense thrillers with major twists and unforgettable characters, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans.

Early in his career he wrote a number of spiritual thrillers and his novels were lumped in with ‘Christian Fiction’ a surprisingly large category. His later novels are a mix of mainstream novels such as Adam, Thr3e, Skin, Obsessed and BoneMan’s Daughters, and fantasy thrillers that metaphorically explore faith. Best known among these is his Circle Series: Green, Black, Red, White and The Paradise Books: Showdown, Saint, and Sinner.

Dekker was born to missionaries who lived among the headhunter tribes of Indonesia. Because his parents’ work often included extended periods of time away from their children, Dekker describes his early life in a culture to which he was a stranger as both fascinating and lonely. It is this unique upbringing that forced him to rely on his own imagination to create a world in which he belonged.

After leaving Indonesia, Dekker graduated from a multi-cultural high school and took up permanent residence in the United States to study philosophy and religion. Upon earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he entered the corporate world and proceeded to climb the proverbial ladder. But his personal drive left him restless and, after many successful years, he traded corporate life for wide range of entrepreneurial pursuits that included buying and selling businesses, healthcare services, and marketing.

In the early nineties while visiting a friend who had just written a book, Dekker decided to pursue a long held desire to be a novelist. Over the course of two years he wrote two full length novels before starting from scratch and rewriting both. Now fully enamored by the the process and the stories, he realized that storytelling was in his blood and a new obsession to explore truth through story gripped him anew.

He sold his business, moved his family to the mountains of Western Colorado and began writing full-time on his third novel. Two years and three novels later his first novel, Heaven’s Wager, was published.

Now, Dekker’s novels had sold over 3.4 million copies worldwide. Two of his novels, Thr3e and House, have been made into movies with more in production. Dekker resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Lee Ann and two of their daughters.



ABOUT THE BOOK

This story is for everyone--but not everyone is for this story.

It is a dangerous tale of times past. A torrid love story full of deep seduction. A story of terrible longing and bold sacrifice.

Then as now, evil begins its courtship cloaked in light. And the heart embraces what it should flee. Forgetting it once had a truer lover.

With a kiss, evil will ravage body, soul, and mind. Yet there remains hope, because the heart knows no bounds.

Love will prove greater than lust. Sacrifice will overcome seduction. And blood will flow.

Because the battle for the heart is always violently opposed. For those desperate to drink deep from this fountain of life, enter.

But remember, not everyone is for this story.



If you'd like to read the first chapter of Immanuel's Veins, go HERE.



Watch the book trailer:






Margie's comments: It was with not a little trepidation that I accepted the assignment to proofread Ted Dekker's Immanuel's Veins several months ago. Yes, many of you have heard that this is a vampire book . . . and it is a story about one man's battle against the forces of evil. One in which the man learns the true meaning of sacrificial love—the love of a Savior who died and rose again for the sins each of us carry; and the love of  man for a woman, the kind that is willing to sacrifice all for the good of the love one. In this book I was pleasantly surprised to read a clear presentation of the gospel, the clearest I've seen from an author who likes to teach scriptural truths through allegory and metaphor. It was a refreshing scene, one I would like to see more of from this author. I recommend this book, but it's definitely not for the squeamish.

Verse of the Day

Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Verse of the Day

Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love. (1 Corinthians 16:13–14 NLT)

Another Look at Surrender the Wind by Rita Gerlach

I copied this post from Rita's blog page at her request. If you haven't already read this book and you like historicals, this is a good investment of time and money, imo. *smile*

~ When an American patriot of the Revolution inherits his grandfather’s estate in faraway England, he inherits more than an isolated manor house. He discovers Juleah’s love and a plot that leads to kidnapping, murder, and betrayal, in this stirring tale of fidelity and forgiveness. ~

Instead of answering interview questions, I’m commenting on some quotes from reviewers to give my readers a deeper glimpse into the storyline in Surrender the Wind.

* * *

From author Marylu Tyndall ~ Ms. Gerlach's historic research is evident throughout the story, and her attention to detail and literary descriptions of scenes placed me right in the middle of the action.

If a writer wishes to write a historical novel, research is a vital, essential part of developing a great story. When I began Surrender the Wind, I read numerous accountants of the Battle of Yorktown where the book opens in the prologue. I researched uniforms, dress, weaponry, food, and culture.

As the book moves forward into Chapter 1, the reader is taken to England, to a crumbling manor house in Devonshire. The historical research from this point on had to be in the details. I wanted my reader to see in their mind the scene, outdoors and indoors. Everything from a tallow candle in the socket of a brass candlestick, to the blue and white pitcher and bowl on the heroine’s washing table, adds strong visual imagery. My editor told me once that a place can become a character in a book. I feel that is true for Ten Width Manor. It's walls hold secrets of lives past and present in the story. Because it is the ancestral home of the Braxtons, Ten Width has a stronghold on those living in it.

Then there are the historical cultural markings in a book that make up the characters. Dress. Etiquette. Traditional family life. I studied 18th century wills and marriage customs, the fashions of the period, and how the classes interacted with each other.

* * *

From author Linda Clare ~ The American Revolutionary period comes to life as Gerlach explores themes of patriotism with a faith element.

In America today there is a resurgence of patriotism. We are returning to our roots, our Constitution, and faith. In the 18th century faith played a major role in the lives of people in both the Colonies and United Kingdom. In Surrender the Wind, I bring faith into the story as a lifestyle. It is delicately woven into the characters' personalities. One thing I did not want to do is write a ‘religious novel’. My goal was to write a novel where readers would become immersed into the characters by relating to the struggles they faced which bring about spiritual breakthroughs.

* * *

From Annette Temple ~ A Well-Watered Garden Blog' This book is one of the most romantic books I've ever read. The passion and love that is poetically described between Seth and Juleah was rousing.

I am so grateful to Annette for this comment. She helped me realize that I achieved my goal. Most of us ladies want a bit of romance in our stories, don’t we? We want a hero that is tough with the world, but tender with his lady. And a heroine that is strong in the face of tribulation, but swept away by the love of a man. Romance in a novel, in my opinion, is the most intriguing when what is written is just enough to leave the rest up to the reader’s imagination. In Christian fiction a writer brings out romance deftly, love that goes beyond the material, but deeper into the heart and spirit of the characters.

I’ll close here with a romantic excerpt from Surrender the Wind . It is Seth and Juleah’s wedding night. I hope you will consider reading my novel, and keep an eye out for the release of book 1 in a new series, Daughters of the Potomac, coming out in May, 2012, entitled ‘Before the Scarlet Dawn’.

* * * * * *

In his bedchamber, which they now shared, Juleah slipped on her silk nightdress. Thin white ribbons laced the front. She sat at the dressing table brushing her hair. Tinted with the golden splendor of the candles, she smoothed it over her shoulder and ran her fingers down its length. Excitement filled her, tripped over her skin along with desire. She glanced around the room. How masculine it appeared. A fresh coat of paint would improve its appearance, and white curtains over the windows would bring it warmth and light.

She set the candlestick on the table next to their bed. The brass clock on the mantelpiece chimed out the hour. She paused to listen to the musical sound it made, while she pulled down the coverlet. The door drifted open. Seth came inside, shut it, and proceeded to pull off his waistcoat.

“Ah, have you seen the moon?” She opened the drapes wide to let the moonlight pour in. It bathed the room soft blue. “Is it not lovely, Seth?”

He joined her at the window. Wrapping his arms around his wife’s waist, he stood close behind her. His breath brushed against her neck and she sighed.

He whispered in her ear. “Doubt thou the stars are fire. Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar. But never doubt I love.”

It pleased her that he, a Virginian rebel, had memorized the beauty of Shakespeare’s verses. Melting with longing, she turned to him. He took her into his arms. She reached up and pushed back a lock of hair that fell over his brow. “I will never doubt your love, not for anything in the world.”

He brought his lips to hers and she strained against him. Love rose within each heart. He lifted her, and her feet dangled above the floor. Holding her, he kissed her, turned with Juleah toward their bed, and took his bride away from the window.

* * * * * *

Read Chapter One: http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/displayImage.aspx?pcid=1173111

Rita’s Website: http://www.ritagerlach.com/index.html

Surrender the Wind is available wherever books are sold. Kindle editions available from Amazon.com

Cokesbury Bookstore is having an amazing sale. http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=783958http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=783958

Verse of the Day

So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



The Thorn Bethany House (September 7, 2010)



by Beverly Lewis





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Not until her own children were well into middle school did Bev seek to publish her work, first in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Dolphin Log, and Guideposts for Kids. Her first book followed in 1993—Mountain Bikes and Garbanzo Beans—presently retitled Big Bad Beans (book #22 in the popular CUL-DE-SAC KIDS series of chapter books—see list of Bev's children's books).

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, THE HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTY, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Bev's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and playing with their three grandchildren. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."


ABOUT THE BOOK

Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. THE ROSE TRILOGY is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters on the fringes of the church, and the unforeseen discoveries that change their lives.

Rose Kauffman, a spirited young woman, has a close friendship with the bishop's foster son. Nick dresses Plain and works hard but stirs up plenty of trouble too. Rose's sister cautions her against becoming too involved, but Rose is being courted by a good, Amish fellow, so dismisses the warnings.

Meanwhile, Rose keeps house for an English widower but is startled when he forbids her to ever go upstairs. What is the man hiding? Rose's older sister, Hen, knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man. Unable to abandon her Amish ways, Hen is soon separated from her very modern husband.

Mattie, their young daughter, must visit her father regularly, but Hen demands she wear Amish attire--and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, despite her husband's wishes. Will Hen be able to reestablish her place among the People she abandoned? And will she be able to convince Rose to steer clear of rogue neighbor Nick?

Watch the book trailer:











If you would like to read the first chapter of The Thorn, go HERE.


Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. (Isaiah 40:31 MSG)

Self-Editing Tips — Comma Review Part 1

Not sure how time gets away from me so quickly. However, I'm determined to get on track with this blog, so here's a quick review of commas. Well at least some of the comma rules. There are too many to get to all of them in one post.

Today we'll cover the comma with conjunctions and the series comma.

The first comma we'll discuss is the comma that is used to separate two independent clauses when combined with a coordinating conjunction. A simple definition of an independent clause is a subject and verb combination that expresses a complete thought. In other words, it doesn’t make you want to ask a question in order to complete the thought. For example, She ran away is a complete thought as opposed to Though she ran away. . . . A coordinating conjunction joins similar sentence components. An easy way to remember which words are coordinating conjunctions is to remember fanboys: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

According to the Chicago Manual of Style (the publishing industry’s style standard for books), a comma usually precedes the conjunction when two independent clauses are joined with one of the fanboys. The exception to the rule (and, yes, there are usually exceptions—that’s what makes English so interesting!): If the two independent sentences are short and closely related, you may omit the comma.

Examples:
Mike will work the first shift, but Lucy will have to work the second shift.
Joe munched on a hamburger, and I indulged in a hot-fudge sundae.
The exception:
Timothy played the guitar and Betty sang.

The problem I see often is the use of the comma before any coordinating conjunction. For example: He was at least sixty years old, with lively blue eyes, and a leathery complexion that proved he’d spent many of his years outdoors. In this case the comma after eyes is incorrect as it is separating a compound object of the preposition with. This sentence should read: He was at least sixty years old, with lively blue eyes and a leathery complexion that proved he’d spent many of his years outdoors. Another example: The racecar spun out, and hit the wall. In this case the comma is separating a simple compound verb: spun out and hit. Only two verbs. It doesn’t need the comma. This sentence should read: The racecar spun out and hit the wall.

Now let's look at the series or serial comma. According to the Chicago Manual of Style, The series comma is the one before the conjunction in a series of words, phrases, or independent clauses. It helps keep the meaning clear to the reader, in my opinion. So I use it and recommend to my clients that they use it as well.


For example:
Roger used a hammer, nails, and glue to repair the cabin’s window.
You may write an essay, read a book, or do your homework in this study hall.
Mary went to the store, Carol walked around the track, and Sharon stopped in for coffee.


However, if a conjunction is used between each of the elements in a series, no comma is needed.

For example:
Roger used a hammer and nails and glue to repair the cabin’s window.
You may write an essay or read a book or do your homework in this study hall.
This morning Mary went to the store and Carol walked around the track and Sharon stopped in for coffee.


While most book publishers follow the Chicago Manual of Style and use the serial comma, I know of several who don’t. One of the trends in grammar today is to use fewer commas, and this is one area some choose to delete.

One final note from the newly released 16th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style:

Note that the phrase as well as is not equivalent to and.

The team fielded one Mazda, two Corvettes, and three Bugattis, as well as a battered Plymouth Belvedere.

not

The team fielded one Mazda, two Corvettes, three Bugattis, as well as a battered Plymouth Belvedere.

Next week we'll talk about more uses of the comma.

Verse of the Day

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6–7 NLT)

Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Love Me Tender Summerside Press (September 1, 2010)


by Janice Hanna





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna, She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over fifty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, childrens books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online course, "Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer" has been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As "Love Me Tender" plays in the background, Debbie Carmichael determines to salvage her family's restaurant, Sweet Sal's Soda Shoppe, when her father's health fails. Teen heartthrob Bobby Conrad agrees to perform at a fundraiser concert. But just two weeks before the highly publicized event, Bobby backs out of the benefit. Enter Johnny Hartman, a young, unknown singer to take Conrad's place. Debbie soon realizes the twists and turns leading up to the concert are divinely orchestrated. And it isn't dreamy Bobby Conrad who has stolen her heart - but the tender love of Johnny Hartman.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Me Tender, go HERE.

Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. (Proverbs 3:5–7 MSG)

Verse of the Day

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NLT)

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)

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Pearl In The Sand Moody Publishers (September 1, 2010)

by Tessa Afshar





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tessa Afshar was born in a nominally Muslim family in Iran and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She survived English boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her mid-twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDIV from Yale University where she served as co-Chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the

Divinity School. She has spent the last twelve years in full and part-time Christian work and currently serves as the leader of Women’s and Prayer ministries at a church in Connecticut.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes. At the age of fifteen Rahab is forced into prostitution by her beloved father. In her years as a courtesan, she learns to mistrust men and hate herself. Into the emotional turmoil of her world walks Salmone, a respected leader of Judah. Through the tribulations of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth in God and find healing from fear and rejection.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Pearl In The Sand, go HERE



Watch the book video:






Review to come later.

Self-Editing Tips for the Grammatically Challenged

Before I went to Pennsylvania for the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, I felt led to put all the grammar I teach on into a booklet. I wanted to have it ready for the conference, since I was teaching an earlybird class on the subject. And there's so much more material than I can get into an hour-long class. But it didn't get done.

So my goal is to have it done by the first of next year. When it is done, I'll have it available here and in Marlene Bagnull's online bookstore. If you would be interested in a copy when it is ready, please leave a note in the comments section, and I'll add you to the list I started at the Philly conference.

And if you can think of a snazzier title, I'm open for suggestions! LOL Titles are not my strong point.

As I continue with my intention to blog more in the upcoming months, I'll be continuing on with the punctuation and other grammar tips. So check this blog out on Thursdays for those.

Verse of the Day

Settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best. Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.

Psalm 37:3–7 msg

ACFW September New Releases

1.  Across the Cotton Fields; Mississippi Brides, book 1 by Diane T. Ashley  and Aaron McCarver-- Romance from Barbour. Alexandra Lewis must find a husband before a family scandal follows her to Mississippi, but where does God fit into her plans?

2.  A Door County Christmas; The Heart's Harbor  by Cynthia Ruchti; Ride With Me Into Christmas by Rachael Phillips; My Heart Still Beats  by Eileen Key; and Christmas Crazy by Becky Melby. A collection of four Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. A Door County innkeeper guarantees four single women that her Christmas cactus gifts˜and love˜will bloom by Christmas. As December nears, will barren plants and romances blossom into holiday joy? 

3. A Memory Between Us; Wings of Glory, Book 2 by Sarah Sundin—An historical from Revell. During World War II, B-17 pilot Maj. Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge - until he meets Lt. Ruth Doherty, a striking nurse with a shameful secret.

4. A Prairie Christmas Collection by Deborah Raney,  Tracie Peterson, Tracey V. Bateman, and six others—A collection of nine Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. An instant holiday treasure, this fiction collection is penned by nine multi-published authors. Each novella promises a sweet Christian romance on the historical American Great Plains.

5. A Riverwalk Christmas by Elizabeth Goddard,  Martha Rogers, Lynette Sowell, and Kathleen Y'Barbo—A collection of Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. Four young women find love in the most unexpected places at Christmas.

6. A Very Private Grave; #1 The Monastery Murders by Donna Fletcher Crow—A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Kregel. A new policeman must protect a young social worker from big-city gangs making their evil way down south. Felicity thinks she knows everything, until a brutal murder teaches her she doesn't know anything.

7. A Woodland Christmas by Janelle Mowery, Tamela Hancock Murray, Darlene Franklin, and Ramona Cecil—A collection of Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. Experience a nostalgic Christmas in the Piney Woods of East Texas where a traveling woodcarver dispenses wisdom that brings four couples to realize the gift of love.

8. Alpha Redemption by P.A. Baines—A Science Fiction/Fantasy/Futuristic from Splashdown Books. In man's pursuit of knowledge, artificial intelligence was created. In the pursuit of love, artificial intelligence found God.

9. Baby Makes A Match; Love Inspired/Chatam House Series by Arlene James—A Romance from Steeple Hill. A rodeo cowboy rescues a stranded pregnant girl and with the help of three matchmaking aunties….well what else do you need?

10. Christmas Mail Order Brides by Vickie McDonough,  Susan Page Davis, Therese Stenzel, and Carrie Turansky—A collection of Christmas-themed romance novellas from Barbour. Ride the transcontinental railroad as marriage arrives by mail-order-and just in time for Christmas.

11. Finding Becky; Book 3 Winds Across the Prairie by Martha Rogers—An Historical from Realms/Strang. Rebecca comes home with a new attitude, but Rob wants to find the Becky he's loved since their youth.

12. Formula for Danger by Camy Tang—A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. Dermatologist researcher Rachel Grant is pursued by an enemy trying to take her latest research and her life.

13. Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer—A Romance from Bethany House. When a recovering romantic goes to work for a handsome ranch owner, her heart isn't the only thing in danger.

14. High-Stakes Inheritance by Susan Sleeman—A Romance from Steeple Hill.  Claiming an inheritance turns deadly when Mia Blackburn returns to her hometown.

15. In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer—An Historical from Bethany House.  Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

16. Judgement Day by Wanda Dyson—A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Random House/Waterbrook. One reporter's love of sensationalism leads to a horrifying story and someone willing to kill her to keep her quiet.

17. Lily and the Lawman; Idaho Brides, Book Two by Erica Vetsch—An Historical from Barbour. A wary woman has no choice but to join forces with a local lawman to rescue her kidnapped niece.

18. Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe by Anita Higman and Irene Brand—A Romance from Summerside Press. Two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present.

19. Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter—A Romance from Barbour. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life, and when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver be there to support her?

20. Making Waves; CHAIM series, Book Four by Lorna Seilstad—An Historical from Revell. After Mr. Boring presses for an engagement, a witting debutante meets an intriguing sailing instructor who is everything her humdrum suitor is not.

21. McKenzie; Montana Skies Series by Penny Zeller—An Historical from Whitaker House. She wanted to change him and mold him into the man she was supposed to marry. Instead, she was the one whose heart was changed.

22. Medical Error; Prescription For Trouble (book two) by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.—A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Abingdon. Identity theft isn't normally fatal, but this time it was.

23. More Than Words; Daughters of Amana #2 by Judith Miller—An Historical from Bethany House. Will Gretchen Kohler's one impulsive decision cause tragic consequences for the entire Amana Community and cost her everything, even the love of her life?

24. Second Chance Brides; Texas Boardinghouse Brides #2 by Vickie McDonough—An Historical from Barbour. When the man they came to town to marry weds someone else, two mail order brides must find a way to survive in Texas—or find another man to marry.

25. Secret of the Shroud by Pamela Billings Ewen—A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from B&H Publishers. A powerful Bishop reaches for revenge when he's suddenly confronted with the secret of the Shroud and a choice that can destroy him.

26. Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren—A Romance from Whitaker House. When John Evans is killed in a skiing accident, his brother, Jake, reaches out to his widowed sister-in-law, but Rachel will have nothing to do with his charity, particularly since they have a "history" she'd rather forget—but God has other plans.

27. The Columns of Cottonwood; The Alabama River Heritage Series by Sandra Robbins—A Romance from Barbour. When a handsome stranger purchases a woman's plantation for back taxes, she vows to recover her land, but they discover God has a greater solution—a compromise to benefit both.

28. The Doctor's Blessing; #2 in The Brides of Amish Country by Patricia Davids—A Romance from Steeple Hill. A nurse-midwife to the Amish and the new doctor clash over her home deliveries.

29. The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson—A Romance from Zondervan. The Sleeping Beauty fairy tale comes to life when Rose, the apprentice to the town healer, falls in love with Lord Hamlin, the betrothed son of a duke.

30. The Newcomer by Laurie Alice Eakes—An Historical from Barbour. Marigold sacrifices things precious to her, for the sake of her young charges and isn't willing to let their uncle take over when danger follows in his wake.

31. The Perfect Blend; The Tea Shop Series by Trish Perry—A Romance from Harvest House. A jilted bride encounters chaotic jobs, overbearing society matrons, and charming suitors in her quest for love, independence, and the occasional glimpse of God's will.

32. The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin—An Science Fiction/Fantasy/Futuristic from AMG/Living Ink. A young blacksmith goes in search of his missing wife, journeying to the four ends of the world and solving riddles with a faithful wolf at his side.

33. Where Hearts Are Free; Darkness to Light Series, Book #3 by Golden Keyes Parsons—An Historical from Thomas Nelson. In the freedom and promise of the New World, Bridget Barrington and Philippe Clavell fall in love, but nothing about their love seems possible, apart from God's intervention.

34. A Hope Undaunted; Winds of Change series, book 1 by Julie Lessman—A Romance from Revell. While on a summer law internship, a sassy and modern woman of the Roaring 20s butts heads with her lawyer boss, a stubborn pest from her past.

Verse of the Day

Don't be afraid, don't waver. March out boldly . . . GOD is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:17 MSG)