Verse of the Day

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)

False Pretenses by Kathy Herman

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  False Pretenses  David C. Cook (March 1, 2011)  by  Kathy Herman   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources.

She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market.

Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she's added sixteen more titles to her credit, including four bestsellers: All Things Hidden, The Real Enemy, The Last Word, and The Right Call.

Kathy's husband Paul is her manager and most ardent supporter, and the former manager of the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five almost-perfect grandchildren, a cat named Samantha. They enjoy cruising, deep sea fishing, and birdwatching—sometimes incorporating these hobbies into one big adventure.   


ABOUT THE BOOK  

Zoe Broussard loves the life she and her husband Pierce have built in her beloved Louisiana hometown. She owns a thriving Cajun eatery in South Louisiana and is married to the love of her life.

But it’s about to become hell. One day, out of the blue, she receives a series of anonymous notes that sends her life into a tail spin. Five simple words, “I know what you did.”  Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Unbeknownst to anyone, even Zoe’s husband, Pierce, she has a past—a past she had covered so well she never thought she would have to confront. How could anyone know what she did?  Can she find the courage to face her past?


If you would like to read the first chapter of False Pretenses, go HERE.


Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. (Psalm 138:8 ESV)

The Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello

About Sibella: Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons. Find out more about Sibella and her other books at her website. www.sibellagiorello.com

About The Mountains Bow Down: Everything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . ..

That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, The Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.

But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.

Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-perpetual ladies man Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be such a jerk after all.

And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.

Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a situation so steep and so complex that even the mountains might bow down.
 

Margie's comments: I was first introduced to Sibella Giorello and her character Raleigh when I was proofreading for Thomas Nelson and they asked me to work on The Clouds Roll Away. And I fell in love with the author's storytelling ability and with Raleigh. So it wasn't hard to accept the invitation to blog on The Mountains Bow Down. I've never been to Alaska, but after being on the cruise with Raleigh and her family and Jack . . . The author's description of the scenery is vivid, and I've now moved that trip up higher on my bucket list. However, it was the mystery that Raleigh had forced upon her that kept me reading. The characters Sibella has created for this series are very real, dealing with some very heavy issues that I can identify with only too closely at times, and lovable. I felt as thought I was on that cruise ship and knew each of the characters who played a part in the story. While it is the fourth book in the series, it doesn't require you to have read the first three books in order to enjoy and understand the story and the characters. This is a compelling mystery that hooked me on page one. And left me sad the book was done when the cruise docked back in Seattle. Thankfully it looks like there will be more stories to come in the Raleigh Harmon series. I, for one, am very glad.


Interview with the Author:


What was it like writing a book set in your in the state where you were born?               
You know that saying, "You can't go home again"? Maybe it's true but you can sure visit. And I found the same things that impressed me as a kid still bowled me over. Above all, the land. Alaska is so big and beautiful you can't help but feel insignificant. Some people don’t like that – I love it. That land reminds me that life is special and short and spectacular, more spectacular than anything man can create. To explore that landscape through the eyes of Raleigh Harmon -- a southern geologist -- was double-fun.

What was your inspiration for the story?
Old women! My grandmothers and Agatha Christie.
       My grandmothers were Alaska pioneers who told me stories night and day about life in the Last Frontier before statehood.
      Agatha Christie came into it because I try to challenge myself with every book in this series. This time it was an homage to Agatha. I wanted to see if a forensic geologist could solve a murder aboard a cruise ship with the clock ticking.
     As usual, Raleigh performed far beyond par, finding mineral evidence in everything from dust to precious gems -- in only five days.

How are your books different from other suspense/mystery novels?
There are so many good mystery/suspense novels out there. I can only explain my motivation: Way back when, I wanted to read a certain kind of book, but couldn't find it.
     I didn't want to "get inside the mind of a killer." I didn't want a bleak worldview. But I didn't want everything tied up in a bow, either. I was sick of Christians in novels depicted as twisted weirdos. At the same time, I didn't want to be preached at.
   So I started writing a gritty crime mystery with a brave and searching young woman. She was not dysfunctional but she sure could mess up her own life.  She also had a passion to see justice served. And she was honest – Raleigh's so honest it's sometimes heart-breaking.
    
What do you hope the reader takes away?
The characters. And the place.
    When readers close the book, I hope these characters are still alive in their imaginations. And I hope readers are intrigued by Alaska. Our modern world is bursting with cutting-edge technology and gray urban landscapes, high-speed everything. But there’s Alaska, the glimmering jewel in America’s crown.

What was special to you about this story?
The story is a posthumous gift to my grandmothers. The two women who gave me such a passion for stories – written, told, whispered over tea, howled at over wine. And I think they would appreciate Raleigh Harmon’s hardships, because their lives were often so difficult.

You've written a book around the forensic pathology of rocks. Aren't rocks just rocks?  
Look closely. There are more than 5,000 known minerals on earth. And every rock tells a story, from its creation to erosion to deposition. Every rock is its own adventure story, told by the surface marks, the contents, and where it winds up.
    And of course for Raleigh, rocks and minerals provide clues for so many crimes.

How similar are you and Raleigh Harmon?
She's a southerner; I'm an Alaskan. She's a real scientist; I hyperventilate doing simple math. She's single; I'm happily married with two homeschooled kids. She eats almost nothing but junk food; I'm a health nut who avoids dairy, wheat, and sugar.
      But both of us bristle under dumb authority. Neither of us waits for directions. And we can't get through a single day without asking God for help.
 
What's next for Raleigh?
     "The Stars Shine Bright" comes out in 2012.
     It's about time Raleigh figures out her relationship with DeMott Fielding -- is she going to marry this guy or not? And what about Jack Stephanson, where does he fit into the equation?
     Then her mother's mental illness, and another disciplinary issue with the FBI because once again Raleigh stepped over the line on the cruise to Alaska . . . . You get the idea. Raleigh's life is never dull.
    So stay tuned.
 


Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Down-Raleigh-Harmon-Novel/dp/1595545352/ref=sprightly-20
BIG NEWS: Sibella would love for you to share this great deal on your blog!

Start the series fresh with this great deal! Pick up a copy of Book 1 for your Kindle or Nook for only $2.99! The Stones Cry Out is the critically acclaimed award winner that kicked off the Raleigh Harmon series. http://www.amazon.com/Stones-Raleigh-Harmon-Novel-ebook/dp/B004QGYURS/ref=sprightly-20

About The Mountains Bow Down CRUISE Giveaway:

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Mountains Bow Down by giving away a Cruise prize pack worth over $500.00!

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate toward the cruise of their choice from Vacations To Go.
• The entire set of the Raleigh Harmon series.
  

To enter go here! http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/104339

Then tell your friends. And enter soon - the giveaway ends on 4/1! The winner will be announced at Sibella’s Raleigh Harmon Book Club Party <http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131732776898350> on FB April 5th, 2011! Don’t miss the fun – prizes, books and gab!

About the Facebook Party: Join Sibella and fans of the Raleigh Harmon series on April 5th at 5:00 pm PST (6 MST, 7 CST & 8 EST) for a Facebook Book Club Party <http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/104339> . Sibella will be giving away some fun prizes, testing your trivia skills and hosting a book chat about the Raleigh Harmon books. Please RSVP  and if you have questions you'd like to chat about - leave them on the Event page <http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/104339> .

Verse of the Day

"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

Verse of the Day

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)

Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Vicious Cycle  Zondervan (February 22, 2011)  by  Terri Blackstock   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over six million copies sold worldwide. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

Besides entertaining her readers, Terri tackles issues that she hopes will change lives. Her recent book, Predator, was inspired by her experiences on Facebook and Twitter, and her concern that people posted too much personal information about themselves. The book deals with an online predator who uses social networks as his playground. She hopes the book will change readers’ online habits. Her New York Times best-seller, Intervention, was inspired by her own personal struggles with a daughter on drugs. In the book, a mother hires an interventionist for her drug-addicted daughter. But on the way to treatment, the interventionist is murdered, and the daughter disappears. Barbara, the mother, sets out to search for her daughter. Terri modeled Barbara after herself, and poured many of her own emotions and experiences into that character. As a result, many families experiencing drug addiction have written to thank her for telling their story and giving them hope. Vicious Cycle, Book Two of the Intervention Series, releases February 22, 2011. She’s currently working on Book Three.

Other recent books include a stand-alone novel called Double Minds, as well as Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light (from her acclaimed Restoration Series). She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 Series and Cape Refuge Series. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.

Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.


ABOUT THE BOOK 

When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse.

His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan---the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies.

In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Vicious Cycle, go HERE.

Watch the Book Video:



Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Psalm 84:11–12)

No Safe Haven by Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  No Safe Haven  B&H Books (March 15, 2011)  by  Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse   

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:   

A devoted wife and mother, Kimberley Woodhouse is a third generation Liszt student, she has passed down her love of the arts to hundreds of students over the years.

About fifteen years ago, Kimberley began writing seriously. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters - you name it - she's written it. It wasn't until a dear friend challenged her to "do something with it", that she pursued publication.

Kimberley and her family's story have been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel's Mystery ER. She has recorded three albums, and has appeared at over 700 venues. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and their two children in a truly "Extreme" home.


Thirteen-year-old Kayla Woodhouse’s zest for writing comes not only from her natural ability, but also from her love of the written word as witnessed by her voracious reading appetite. One of only a few dozen cases in the world, Kayla was born with HSAN, Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy, an extremely rare nerve disorder. Unable to sweat, or feel pain, she’s also been through brain surgery. But even through a life of extreme hardships, her ever-present smile encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. In addition to being homeschooled and writing with her mom, she’s an amazing swimmer, and spends up to thirty hours a week in training. No Safe Haven, her first release from B&H Publishers in 2011, written with mother, Kimberley, makes her the youngest author to have a full-length novel published by a royalty paying publisher.


ABOUT THE BOOK   

Jenna and Andi Tikaani-Gray are hoping for a fresh start. Though twelve year-old Andi has long struggled with a rare medical disorder, she and her mother have finally received good news from out-of-town specialists. It's news they desperately needed, especially after the recent death of Jenna's husband (Andi's dad) in a car accident.

But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane and crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Even worse, a winter storm is headed their way along with someone who doesn't want to save them, but to kill them.

Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn't come easy to Jenna or AndiÑand they both sense Cole is hiding something.

A relentless tale of survival and suspense unfolds, involving military technology designed by Jenna's late husband that some would do anything to possess.


Watch the Book Video:





If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Haven, go HERE.

Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD; the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1–4)

Verse of the Day

He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down ( relax My hold on you)! [ Assuredly not!] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:5–6 AMP)

Job Update

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. . . . That's right. Because I, your GOD, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, "Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.' (Isaiah 41:11, 13 MSG)

It's been almost eleven weeks since Roger was laid off, the last ten or which he's been diligently searching for a job. And yet, there's nothing. 

Yes, it's been hard, waiting for the Lord to open doors when all we see are closed ones. And yes, I admit to having times of panic. But we are still choosing to trust God in this trial. 

He is proving Himself faithful and good. He has provided in a variety of ways to meet our needs. I have plenty of work, both for the publishers I work for and from individual clients. Roger has had several opportunities to volunteer his construction expertise to ministries in need of it, so in between spending time on the Internet looking for jobs, he's keeping busy doing what he loves to do. 

As I face yet another incredibly packed week, I received these verses this morning in my quiet time. I'm exhausted from trying to keep up with the deadlines. And I've caught myself saying to the Lord, "I can't do this. I can't keep up." I'm thanking Him that He has a hold of me, that He won't let go, that HE gives me the strength to continue on. I don't need to panic, and thankfully those times are much fewer and farther apart than they would have been had this happened a year ago. 

Roger does much better in the trust department than I am—always has. But of course, he's had some moments as well. He would love to be able to be the primary breadwinner again. But most of all, he wants God's will in whatever he does, whether he's working or waiting. We are both learning more of God in this time. And we are thankful for all the prayers going up on our behalf. God is answering, just not necessarily in ways we expected. 

So we continue to wait. One day the doors will start to open and we'll see even better what wonders the Lord has prepared for us. We can wait, confident that God is working all things for our good and for His glory. 

Verse of the Day

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. . . . That's right. Because I, your GOD, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, "Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.' (Isaiah 41:11, 13 MSG)

A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr

About A Trail of Ink:
An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel

Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wycliffe, the well known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh's investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind, but Kate has another serious suitor. As Hugh's pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn't think so, but it will take all of his surgeon s skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day England. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Ink-Chronicle-Singleton-Surgeon/dp/1854249746/ref=sprightly-20
 
About Mel Starr:
Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.  www.melstarr.org 

Contest: Kregel Publishers is graciously donating a $50 Amazon.com gift card for the Litfuse Blog Tour Contest! Woo-hoo (thanks Kregel!) All you have to do to enter is either tweet (see TWEET THIS below) or share the book on Facebook using this link: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Ink-Chronicle-Singleton-Surgeon/dp/1854249746/ref=sprightly-20


TWEET THIS: A Trail of Ink by Mel Star. An excellent medieval whodunit. RT for a chance to win a $50 GC to @amazon! http://ow.ly/45c2k #litfuse

• (and be sure to use the hashtag #litfuse to be entered into Amazon.com gift certificate drawing and no need to email that you tweeted - we'll be able to track it via the hashtag.)
  

FACEBOOK THIS: A Trail of Ink by Mel Star. An excellent medieval whodunit. Share on your wall for a chance to win a $50 GC to @amazon! http://ow.ly/45c2k

• (email info@litfusegroup.com to let us know you 'shared'.)

 
 
 Margie's Comments:  I came across Mel Starr's books last summer and was immediately intrigued by the setting (medieval Oxford and surrounding areas, chiefly Bampton and Bampton Castle). I'm privileged to have visited Oxford and several of the surrounding towns  a little over two years ago, and was pleased to recognize many of the places Starr takes us to in this series. But his main character, Hugh de Singleton, a surgeon and graduate of Oxford is my main draw to the books. A Trail of Ink is the third book in this series, and involves the theft of books from my favorite minor character throughout the books: John Wycliffe. Master Wycliffe asks Hugh to investigate the theft, and soon Hugh encounters several "accidents" in his pursuit of the thief. To make matters even more confusing, somehow his suit for Kate, a stationer's daughter, seems to be tied into Kate's other, and in Hugh's mind, much more qualified suitor. The author weaves a tale of crime and love using the language and manners of a time long past. While the language and style may slow the beginning down a little until you get used to it, it won't take long before you're pulled back into the world of 14th-century Oxford. Definitely worth reading, and a series that's high on my list of must-read historical mysteries. 

The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  The Caregiver  Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 8, 2011)  by  Shelley Shepard Gray   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven.  Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado.  She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children.  When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.  






ABOUT THE BOOK  

Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to Cleveland

Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.

The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.

Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?

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

Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nahum 1:7 ESV)

Verse of the Day

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes. (Jude 24–25 MSG)

In the Shadow of Evil by Robin Carroll

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  In The Shadow of Evil  B&H Books (March 1, 2011)  by  Robin Caroll   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters, one precious grandson, and their four character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for ACFW. Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as RT Reviewer's Choice, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year. An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals!   


ABOUT THE BOOK   

Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy plus devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil casts the modern day story of a building rebound scam exposed. It begins when the body of a property inspector is found among the ashes of a burnt out Homes of Hope house. Wrapped up in this mounting case of unethical practices, supply shortages, and murder, top Louisiana homicide detective Maddox Bishop is losing his heart to a charitable contractor, Layla Taylor, whose own sister is under suspicion. He’s also about to discover a deep secret about his tragic past.



If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Shadow of Evil, go HERE.



Watch the trailer:







Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

Verse of the Day

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26:3–4 NLT)

Verse of the Day

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. . . . But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. (Psalm 73:23–28)

Verse of the Day

The fire hadn't so much as touched the three men--not a hair singed, not a scorch mark on their clothes, not even the smell of fire on them! (Daniel 3:27 MSG)

“Hold fast, My child, for in the hour of anguish, then shall you walk in victory. Do not pray to be brought out of the fire until after you have found Me real in the midst of it. The coward seeks release from pressure. The courageous pray for strength to overcome.” Frances J. Roberts, On the Highroad of Surrender

 

Verse of the Day

“If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up. . . . But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference. . . . We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up." (Daniel 3:17–18 msg)

“Modern man has so protected himself from discomfort that his body and his soul are in a dangerously weakened condition. Where shall he draw courage in the day of affliction?

            “Always you need My guidance.

            “Look for me in the midst of every fiery furnace and you will be influenced by My Spirit rather than by your own natural impulses (2 Corinthians 11:16–33; 2 Timothy 2:3).” Frances J Roberts, Progress of Another Pilgrim

Heart's Aglow by Tracie Peterson

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Hearts Aglow  Bethany House (March 1, 2011)  by  Tracie Peterson   
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents.  She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella.  Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.  She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books


ABOUT THE BOOK

The future should be bright for Deborah Vandermark, who is now pursuing her interest in medicine alongside Dr. Christopher Clayton, who is courting her. But the lumber town is resistant to the idea of a woman physician, and she feels thwarted at every turn.

A more devastating blow occurs, however, when Christopher breaks off their relationship to return home to his troubled family. Despite her own love life going awry, Deborah is still intent to be a matchmaker for both her widowed mother and her brother, who has caught the eye of the spit-fire daughter of the local pastor.

But what will Deborah do when faced with the truth about Christopher's family? Is there hope for the two of them...or will Jake Wyeth's attentions finally catch Deborah's eye instead?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Aglow, go HERE.


Review to come later.

Verse of the Day

Your God has commanded your strength [your might in His service and impenetrable hardness to temptation]; O God, display Your might and strengthen what You have wrought for us! (Psalm 68:28 AMP)

Verse of the Day

God is able to make ALL grace abound to you, so that always having ALL sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for EVERY good deed; (2 Corinthians 9:8, emphasis mine)

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. (2 Corinthians 9:8 MSG)

Verse of the Day

I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5–8 NLT)

Verse of the Day

Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. . . . Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah. (Psalm 61:1–4)

Verse of the Day

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? . . . Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27:1, 3 ESV)

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