ACFW New Releases for June - Lots of Good Summer Reading!!!

Around where I live we're finally getting some hot summer weather. A perfect time to settle in with a glass of iced tea and a good read. Check out these wonderful-sounding new titles and get yourself over to your nearest bookstore or find them at your favorite Internet book site.

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley -- Romance from Thomas Nelson. Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she'll never face adversity alone.

Behind the Badge by Susan Sleeman -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense. Can a rookie sheriff's deputy find a killer before the killer takes the lives of the people she loves?

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love -- General Fiction from Thomas Nelson. Unless she can let go of her fears and learn to trust again, Ada may lose the heart of a good man.

Broken Wings: A Novel by Carla Stewart -- General Fiction from Faith Words (Hachette). One woman clings to her memories. The other wants to erase hers. A story of an unlikely friendship birthed in providence and bathed in grace.

Forever After (A Hanover Falls Novel) by Deborah Raney -- General Fiction from Howard (Simon & Schuster). A series of arson fires at Hanover Falls rebuilt homeless shelter threatens its residents and casts new suspicions about the original fire.

Home Sweet Home by Kim Watters -- Romance from Love Inspired. Finding a home is all Abby dreamed about, until she discovers the man she falls in love with has a less permanent agenda.

Idaho Brides by Erica Vetsch -- Romance from Barbour. Experience the Wild West through the eyes of the three McConnell brothers who long to overcome their troubled childhood as drunkard’s sons.

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson -- Romance from Summerside Press. As the rest of the nation is embroiled in the Civil War, the Amana Colonies have remained at peace—until now.

Protecting Her Own by Margaret Daley -- Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense. Protecting her own father when an assailant targets him, bodyguard Cara Madison with Connor Fitzgerald, an ex-boyfriend, searches for a would be killer while fighting her feelings toward Connor.

Purple Knot by Raquel Byrnes -- Romance from White Rose. With her faith shaken and her world cast in shadows, can Reyna trust the God she believes abandoned her?

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond -- Romance from Thomas Nelson. How could a marriage possibly work when the couple has only exchanged a few letters?

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House). Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away

The Irresistible Earl by Regina Scott -- A Romance from Love Inspired Historical. If Chase Dearborn, the powerful Earl of Allyndale, found Meredee Price's family in Scarborough, surely he'd continue his quest to challenge Meredee's stepbrother to a duel. Meredee is determined to avoid the earl at all costs.

The Story in the Stars, Gateway to Gannah, Book 1 by Yvonne Anderson -- Fantasy from Risen Books. The inhabitants of the planet Gannah are known as bloodthirsty savages who once tried to conquer the galaxy. Now a plague has ravaged the planet and only one survivor remains.

The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser -- General Fiction from Bethany House. The Sweetest Thing is the story of two girls--opposites in every way--fighting for the same thing: survival amidst tumultuous change.

The Wedding Season: The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge -- Romance from Love Inspired Historical. Surely Elizabeth Moberly was born to be a nobleman's bride. She can't possibly be attracted to the untitled stranger who interrupts her cousin's wedding.

Under a Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills -- General Fiction from Summerside Press. A race from danger...straight into the arms of love.

Even a Blog Needs a Makeover

Anyone who has visited my blog regularly will know that it was only a few months ago I changed the appearance of my blog. But after living with the design for a while, I decided I didn't like it all that much.

For one thing, the background picture was of an open book written in German! I do have some German blood in me, but I don't know one word of the language. Also, the heading font colors were difficult to read. I could have changed the  colors, but I couldn't do anything about the German.

I found this template on line and as soon as I saw it I thought it looked like me. I love coffee, I'm almost never without my cell phone (which is my only phone now), and I'm always writing something. It also kind of matches my website design. I think this one is a keeper, at least until I can afford to pay  a professional to design my website and blog to sync together.

Susan Boyle's Makeover is on the left.

Sometimes adopting a new appearance is good. For men it may be growing a beard or shaving one off, and for women a new hair do can make a world of difference in how we feel about ourselves. There is nothing like a good haircut to lift one's spirits.

There are other times a makeover isn't so noticeable on the outside. That's the change God makes in us when we acknowledge that we can't live without Him and ask Jesus to come into our hearts and lives. The change may be subtle at first, all done within our souls, but soon it can't help but spill out.Some things within me God changed right away, and other things are taking a while. But He is faithful and He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. That's from Phillippians.

1st Corinthians 5:17 says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Now there's a makeover we all should want! What about you?

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Over the Edge B&H Books (May 1, 2011) by Brandilyn Collins


I've known Brandilyn Collins a long time. A few years after we first met at an ACFW conference, I heard she'd contracted with Lyme Disease. I knew it came from being bitten by a tick, but that was about it. Through the years she battled this disease until God did a miraculous healing on the same day that many of her friends at ACFW were praying around the clock for her. I learned a lot about the disease from what she told us. But never, until I read this book, did I realize how dibilitating a disease this is, nor did I fully understand the conflict about its treatment that exists in the medical community, commonly known as lyme wars.

This is more than a book on Lyme. Although having dealt with the disease herself, Brandilyn takes the read deep inside her POV character in a way one who has never suffered from the disease could ever do. I felt like I was Janessa, feeling her discomfort, her pain, her frustration.  In Brandilyn's usual style of weaving a story that keeps you turning the pages,  Over the Edge is a book you won't be able to put down, and when you do finish it, it is a book that will keep you thinking long after the read is over.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e..."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.



In addition, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Final Touch, third in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.

One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.

But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.

Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.

“A taut, heartbreaking thriller. Collins is a fine writer who knows how to both horrify readers and keep them turning pages.”

--Publishers Weekly


“Tense and dramatic. Holds its tension while following the protagonist in a withering battle.”

–NY Journal of Books



“A frightening and all-too-real scenario. Very timely and meaningful book.”

–RT Reviews

“If you know someone who suffers from Lyme, you need to read this compelling novel.”

–Lydia Niederwerfer, founder of Lyme-Aware

If you would like to read the Prologue of Over the Edge, go HERE



Watch the book video:

CFBA Blog Tour - Undaunted Faith by Andrea Boeshaar

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Undaunted Faith Realms (May 3, 2011) by Andrea Boeshaar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.

Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.

Finally her first novel was published in 1994. Since then she's written numerous articles and devotionals. Andrea has also published inspiration romance novels, women's fiction, and novellas.

In 2003, Andrea joined the Hartline Literary Agency and worked for Joyce Hart as a literary agent. She saw much success. But then in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a teacher/encourager than a sales person. She left the agency and became a certified Christian life coach. Now, in addition to her writing, Andrea enjoys encouraging others to use their God-given talents and gifts to their fullest.

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar is a certified Christian life coach and speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at such conferences as Write-To-Publish, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many local writers conferences. Another of Andrea’s accomplishments is cofounder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on both its Advisory Board and as its CEO.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Pastor Luke McCabe begins paying extra attention to her, Bethany takes his fine-sounding words with a grain of salt. She's heard sweet talk before. This time she is going to keep her mind on the Lord and on her new teaching job in the Arizona Territory.

But when her reputation is accidentally soiled by the rakish town sheriff, Luke steps in with a marriage proposal to save Bethany's good name. Luke is certain their marriage is God's will...but Bethany is just as certain God must have someone else in mind to be Luke's wife.

Someone sweet and spiritual, who knows the Scriptures better than Bethany does. Someone like Luke's old friend from home.

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

You can order it from Amazon!

Watch the video trailer:

CFBA Blog Tour - Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Fade to Blue  B&H Books (May 15, 2011)  by  Julie Carobini   

I lived in California for about seven years a long time ago, and always enjoy stories set along the California coast. When I saw that Julie Carobini's new book was set at Hearst Castle I just had to reaad it. I only received my copy last Thursday and Friday began a very busy weekend for me. I have read about five chapters so far and I am loving the voice, the setting, and the characters. I feel like I'm on a mini vacation back to the blue Pacific and the awesome sunsets.

I will post a more personal review on this book when I've finished reading it, but in the meantime I hope the information here will whet your appetite to get yourself a copy and start reading it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

I grew up as Julie Navarro, in a family of truly right-brained individuals. Among us you’ll find writers, artists, and musicians, all of us willing to talk about the arts at a moment’s notice.

Over the years, I’ve published several hundred articles and stories in magazines and books, including Aspire, Decision, Expecting, Focus on the Family, Key Magazine and God’s Abundance: 365 Days to a Simpler Life. As I wrote, I found a common theme cropping up: my family, the sea, and God’s timely work in the lives of those around me.

Maybe it was time to incorporate those interests into novels, I thought.

And so I did. Not once, but twice. Both times, God shut both doors and windows. So I continued to write and dream and raise my kids with Dan. Eventually I decided to write romantic seaside novels, and that’s where I found my voice.

When I’m not writing, marketing, or editing for others, I’m driving my kids around town, imagining that my mid-sized SUV is actually a sleek sailing yacht.  

ABOUT THE BOOK

Suz Mitchell is the determined dreamer we should all be and won't allow her ex-husband Len's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, she moves with her child across the country to California's central coast and lands a sweet job restoring priceless paintings at the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the ocean.

To her utter surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, is also now working at Hearst and jumbles the dreams inside Suz's heart. While sorting out the awkwardness of their past split and current spiritual differences, a repentent Len shows up eager to restore his family.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fade to Blue, go HERE.

You can buy it at Amazon!

Blog Tour - A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

“I can’t, Papa, I just can’t.”

Thus begins Katherine Morgan’s latest release from Revell, A Heart Divided. This 1878 historical romance, set in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, involves a new twist on the family feud theme.

No love has been lost between the Caldwells and the Wainwrights. When Sara Caldwell’s father wants her to use her feminine whiles to distract the Wainwright’s hired hand while her brothers and their dad steal money they think is rightfully theirs, everything about the plan goes against her grain. But if the money will help fund medicine for her asthmatic younger brother she’ll do it.

When Sarah discovers this is no hired hand but Cord Wainwright, son of the ranch’s owner, she wants to die on the spot. And when he discovers the identity of the attractive young woman who had sidetracked him while the family’s cash reserves were lifted, he is furious and intends to teach her a lesson.

Sparks fly between them as well as a few of Cupid’s proverbial arrows. Caught in a huge misunderstanding that happened before either of them were born, they are faced with making decisions about their future that will likely cause the rift to deepen further.

Morgan’s writing, including her characterizations brings the reader in deep and close until you almost feel as though you are in the same room with Cord and Sarah. The author also has a wonderful ability to word paint, drawing the reader into the setting until you almost taste the dust and smell of the barn or the tart taste of apple cider right out of the barrel.

The back of the book says: Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in 1878 comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan

This story has romance, the Wild West, a beautiful setting all placed in a fast-paced novel that will keep you turning pages. I really enjoyed reading it and I think you will also.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

About the Author:

Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way. 

Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.

Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.

Kathleen's website can be accessed here. 

And the Winner of To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer is .....

.....Ta Da!!!!

Drum roll, please!!


COURTNEY at
kcmelone at yahoo dot com!!!!!


I will be in touch with Courtney with the good news and to get her mailing address. Thanks to all who entered the contest. I hope you will plan to purchase Karen's book anyway. You won't be disappointed.

Free Book!! CFBA Blog Tour - To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Win Her Heart Bethany House (May 1, 2011) by Karen Witemeyer




If you haven't yet discovered Karen Witemeyer and you love historical romance with a bit of sass and humor, as well as a poignant message of redemption, hope, and love, now is your chance. I'm giving away a copy of Karen's latest book To Win Her Heart. So be sure to leave a comment with your contact information at the end of this review so that you name will be thrown into the hat.


Just like her other novels, from the first page of this story you are drawn into the characters who both struggle with issues that threaten to keep them apart forever despite their attraction. An attraction that neither wants but cannot resist. Karen has a way of writing conflict between the heroine and hero that is both believable and entertaining. You find yourself rooting for both of them to get past all the roadblocks and declare their love, for heaven's sake! And when they do you want to cheer out loud. I hope Witemeyer is around a long while, churning out these wonderful stories.


ABOUT THE BOOK

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?

If you would like to read the first chapter of To Win Her Heart, go HERE.

Buy it at Amazon!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, click here to listen to a podcast of that interview.

Don't forget to leave your comment with contact information so I can include you in the drawing for a 
FREE BOOK! The drawing will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.


Note: I did not pay for the book I am reviewing and giving away. It was provided to me by the publisher, but I was not influenced in anyway as to what I could write about the story. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

May ACFW Authors New Releases For Your Reading Pleasure!

With the first of each month new releases from ACFW authors continue to abound. As we head toward summer, now is the time to stock up on new beach reads.

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad -- General Fiction from Revell. She wants to change the world. He wants to change her mind.

A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason -- A Thriller/Suspense from Revell. Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. The new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case.

Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy -- A Romance from Barbour. Gabe Lasley finds Shannon Dysart stranded in a mountaintop cave and saves her. She is on a quest to prove her father’s research isn’t the work of a madman, that he really did find a treasure in the wild west.

Died in the Wool by Elizabeth Ludwig -- A Mystery from Barbour. Can Monah and proven sleuth Casey Alexander find the real killer before this librarian is booked for murder?

Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini -- A Romance from B and H Publishing. When confronted with her most painful, past decisions, will Suz Mitchell second guess herself? Or will she learn to let God restore all that once seemed lost?

Journey's End by Dora Hiers -- A Romance from White Rose. When Chelsea Hammond is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear, and trust Trey Colten with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Montana Marriages Trilogy by Mary Connealy -- Romance from Barbour. The complete Montana Marriages series all under one cover. One volume encases three acclaimed novels by Mary Connealy.

Over The Edge by Brandilyn Collins -- Thriller/Suspense from B and H Publishing. Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Promise of Time by S. Dionne Moore -- A Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. Time promises to heal all wounds, but will Ellie and Theo allow God to work His timing in their lives and bring a new promise of love?

Revealing Fire by Connie Stevens -- A Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. Two people in their September years are blessed with a second chance at happiness, but unexpected arrivals of a long-estranged son and a long-forgotten former admirer threaten to unravel the cords that bind two hearts.

Secrets of the Heart; Ravensmoore Chronicles, Book One by Jillian Kent -- A Romance from Rhelms. When Lady Madeline Whittington rescues a runaway from a nearby lunatic asylum her life will be forever changed.

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus -- A Romance from Barbour. Two artists are drawn together by matchmaking matriarchs.

The Unexpected Bride by Debra Ullrick -- A Romance from Love Inspired. Haydon Bowen has no intention of marrying. Unfortunately, his brother has other plans. Even when beautiful, cultured Rainelle Devonwood learns she's a mistakenly ordered bride, she won't let Haydon drive her away.

Threat of Exposure by Lynette Eason -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. In book 5 of the Texas Ranger Justice series, DEA Brock Martin and Texas Ranger Gisella Hernandez must work together to decipher codes, uncover clues and protect themselves from a killer who doesn't want his secrets known.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer -- A Romance from Bethany House. A blacksmith with a criminal past. A librarian with pacifist ideals. Do they have a fighting chance at finding love?

Undercurrent by Michelle Griep -- A Science Fiction/Time Travel from Risen Books. People go missing every day--many meet with foul play, some leave the social grid by choice, but others are never accounted for...where do they go?

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley -- A Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah. When an isolated home-schooling widow makes a stealthy bid to escape a cultic group, an outspoken professor encourages her to stand up to her abuser but brings his own set of complications.

Wyoming Weddings by Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis, and Diana Brandmeyer -- Romance from Barbour. Three modern Wyoming women face mountains on the road to love.