Kitten Come From Eggs

Deadly Intent by Camy Tang

2009-07-13T14:21:00.001-07:00

If you loved Camy Tang's Sushi Series, you'll be happy to know she has a new book out! And Camy's here to answer a few questions about her book. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy!

About the Book
SCENE OF THE CRIME

The Grant family's exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation--not murder! Then Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, and everything falls apart. The salon's reputation is at stake...and so is Naomi's freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect--Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim's ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn...and whom can she trust?

The Interview
What was your inspiration behind Deadly Intent?

Two of my favorite things—massages and Sonoma! My friend Robyn introduced me to day spas and massages—heavenly! The first time I went to Burke Williams day spa at Santana Row, it was an eye-opening experience.

I also love visiting Sonoma—for the wine, the cheese, the history of old downtown. I also like the “small town” feel of Sonoma, even though it’s a thriving tourist spot.

So I set a posh, upscale day spa in the middle of a vineyard in Sonoma, and Deadly Intent was born.

What kind of research did you have to do?

I went to Sonoma specifically to take pictures of the square to make sure I wasn’t taking too many liberties with the setting. I also based the architecture of the Joy Luck Life spa on the Kendall Jackson winery. You can see pictures here.

I also visited another day spa with Dineen! And had a massage. Before you go green with envy, I have to also confess I did some heavy research at the library and online on the life of a massage therapist.

Drool...what a glorious day that was. I'll do research like that with you any day, Camy! Okay, who's your favorite character?

Actually, in Deadly Intent, I had the most fun writing a minor character, Detective Horatio Carter. I based him off of the character Horatio Caine from the TV show CSI: Miami, with the red-gold hair and all! My Detective Carter has a “thing” for my heroine’s aunt, Becca Itoh.

If you could write any story you want, what would it be about?

Actually, I’d love to write a historical romantic suspense novel. It would combine two of my favorite books—Persuasion by Jane Austen and The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

Thanks for having me here, Dineen!

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every week, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, DEADLY INTENT.

No Fear

2009-07-10T18:32:00.001-07:00

I have the honor of joining a wonderful writing team over at Laced with Grace. I hope you'll pop over and read my debut post, No Fear.

“I will not fear my future when it’s in God’s hands.” — Dineen Miller, a divine seed of a thought planted by God.

Lately I’ve sensed God preparing me for a change...

Exposure by Brandilyn Collins

2009-07-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Exposure
Zondervan (June 1, 2009)
by
Brandilyn Collins
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 to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first 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
When your worst fear comes true.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror, twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.

To read the first chapter, go HERE.

“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailers

“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakk

“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com

I actually have a copy of this book to give away. Leave a comment—it could be YOU!

Shepherd's Fall by Wanda Dyson

2009-06-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Shepherd's Fall
WaterBrook Press (April 14, 2009)
by
Wanda Dyson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wanda Dyson lives with her severely autistic teenager on a busy farm with horses, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, and the occasional fox, deer, groundhog, and snake. She could seriously live without the snakes, but that's life in the country.

After writing three critically acclaimed suspense novels, she was asked to write the true story of Tina Zahn (Why I Jumped), which was featured on Oprah. Readers characterize her books as "riviting" and "Packed with twists and turns."

Wanda serves on the board of several writers conferences across the country including the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

Wanda has finished the second in this series called Shepherd's Run,that will come out in 2010. And she's hard at work on the third and final installment of the Prodigal Recovery Series - Marti's story -- tentatively called Shepherd's Quest.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Bounty hunter Greg Price is fearless when it comes to chasing down criminals. It's his difficult ex-wife, rebellious teenage daughter, and dysfunctional siblings that keep him awake at night. In charge of the family business, the Prodigal Recovery Agency, he thinks of himself as a shepherd of sorts. When his "flock" is out of his control, Greg's well-ordered universe falls into chaos.

Prodigal Recovery's search for Zeena, a prostitute on the run, leads to a faulty arrest, complicating Greg's business. He is thrown together with Zeena's twin, the beautiful Annie, and the two find themselves on a desperate search. The stakes significantly increase when Greg's daughter is kidnapped. Now, to save someone he loves, Greg must risk everything.but will it be enough

If you would like to read a Prologue excerpt from Shepherd's Fall, go HERE.

Sorry I don't have an extra copy of this one to give away, 'cuz I'm not parting with mine! I'm about halfway through this book and LOVING it. So, if you like what you you've read, get a copy and support this fabulous author. I'm already looking forward to future books in the Prodigal Recovery series!

The Firstborn by Conlan Brown

2009-06-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Firstborn
Realms (May 5, 2009)
by
Conlan Brown
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in 1984, Conlan Brown was functionally illiterate until the fifth grade, when he learned how to read and write, as well as a love of story, from his grandmother. Conlan went on to start college at the age of sixteen, and now holds a Master's degree in Communication, which taught him the academic principles needed to write Firstborn.

Conlan lives on Colorado's Front Range where he is working on his next book. He enjoys video editing, film scores, and developing high octane, thought provoking fiction that turns pages and excites the senses.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Three supernatural gifts. Two thousand years of division. One moment of truth.

Hannah's head hung, long brown hair in her eyes. Her face felt pasty with cold and fatigue and pain. Arms behind her back, she sat in a chair, wrists and ankles tied to the wooden frame, chair legs bolted to the floor. A cold car. A gun. Horror. Pain. Grief. Screaming. A windshield blistering with holes. Darkness.

It all came over her like a flood. A pouring out of pictures in her mind. But then there was one more thing. Not an image, but a feeling--that half a continent away someone else had felt it all happening too.

The Firstborn, those gifted with Foresight, Hindsight, and Insight at the time of Christ's death are divided between themselves. And when an Islamic holy man is murdered outside of his mosque it becomes apparent that one of the Firstborn was to blame. Now, with the threat of a terrorist attack on an unspeakable target the Firstborn are spiraling out of control. Leaders are dying, members are being kidnapped, and unity is being forced. Three heroes, differently gifted and divided must work together to thwart those who would go too far.

Their breakneck race against time plunges them into a world of danger and through a gauntlet across the United States. From the Riverwalk of San Antonio, where Devin Bathurst, John Temple, and Hannah Rice must protect one another from assassination, to the gritty streets of Washington DC, a paramilitary compound in Pennsylvania, and ultimately back to our nation's capital, the Firstborn must unite to prevent an impending atrocity from becoming reality.

Watch The Trailer

If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of The Firstborn, go HERE. I have a copy of this book to give away so, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win!

A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

2009-06-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last year I had the privilege to share Julie Lessman's first two books in her Daughter's of Boston Series. Now the third book, A Passion Denied, has just released this month. Like I said before, I normally don't care for historicals, especially this time period, but Julie is a master storyteller. Her characters are so real, because their struggles are.

And I love how Julie shows the truth about human nature and our struggles to distinguish lust from passion within the parameters of God's love. These books are full of real feelings and emotions.

If you're looking for a good romance series to dive into this summer without all the graphic sex, this is the one you want. You will definitely fall in love with these characters.

From the back cover:

Has she fallen in love with a man who cannot love her back? Elizabeth O'Connor has been like the little sister John Brady always wanted, sharing his love of literature and his thirst for God. But in the throes of the reckless Roaring Twenties, Lizzie has grown up. Suddenly she wants more from the man who has been her friend since she was a child. When this shy little bookworm blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving John, she discovers that his past won't let him return that love. But Lizzie refuses to give up—until his shocking secrets push her away. Can true love survive the betrayal and deceitful of a painful past . . . or will it be shattered like the fairy-tale dreams of a girl in love?

Can't you just picture yourself on the beach or in your favorite chair reading this wonderful romance? Enjoy!

The Bible as a Magazine?

2009-06-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Found out about an interesting book watching Stephen Colbert the other night. The Bible Illuminated. Created by Swedish-based Illuminated World and approved by the American Bible Society, this magazine style Bible uses the Good News Translation mixed with images from today. The New Testament is available now and the Old Testament can be pre-ordered.

I'm fascinated with this concept. One, Scandinavia is one of the least "religious" areas in the world. The potential for this "coffee-table" style Bible to reach those unexposed to Christianity could have huge potential.

On the other hand, some of the images seem odd. One of a group of three gangster-looking men seemed to be linked to the three wise men. I laughed at first, then struggled with the connection.

The covers themselves are very evocative and strong. Here again, I can see these image working quite well in the Scandinavian region known for its free thinking, yet I can also picture the more conservative side finding these covers verging on inappropriate.

However, I'd like to believe the potential is there to reach those who wouldn't otherwise pick up a Bible on their own. And perhaps here is where we have to trust that God will certainly use this to his glory.

We've seen Him use stranger things, haven't we?

Jane Austin and Zombies?

2009-05-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

Jane Austin fans might want to look away. An old classic has a new face. Or judging by it's cover, has it lost its face?

My 19 year-old daughter showed me Pride and Prejudice and Zombies last week. Her generation has a macabre fascination with zombies, it seems. But seeing modern day culture meshed with classic regency romance puts a new spin on revitalizing the classics.

It's still the same book written by Jane Austin, just expanded by Seth Grahame-Smith. When I did a search for Pride and Prejudice on Amazon, this book even showed up first before the classic.

Here's the blurb:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton—and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers—and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Can she vanquish the spawn of Satan? And overcome the social prejudices of the class-conscious landed gentry? Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism, and thousands of rotting corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you'd actually want to read.

I have to say, I felt a twinge of offense on the last line. I happen to love this classic, without the zombies, thank you. But, I am intrigued and somewhat impressed by the idea. And if it introduces teens and young adults to the real classics, perhaps there's something here worth redeeming.

Ponderings of a Writer

2009-05-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

What is it about a blank page that begs to be written on? Is it the fresh, new start? Is it the chance to leave a mark, a lasting impression where none exists? Is it the simple flow of ink from pen to page?

Before computers and even before typewriters, one used paper and pen to build volumes of inspirations and stories. Did the writers of old stare at a new sheet of paper with more respect than we writers today regard the next page, an easily discarded piece in our computer documents?

Do we slave and strive today to fill our pages with words that matter? Life-changing, soul-wrenching, spirit-cleansing words? Or have we become one of many medias bombarding the masses with shallow and selfish information designed to give a quick fix of entertainment satisfaction?

So many ponderings...so many words to ask one simple question. Why do we write?

Nothing But Trouble by Susan May Warren

2009-05-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite authors has a new series coming out. Susan May Warren's new book, Nothing But Trouble is the first book in the PJ Sugar Series. Want to join me in reading this new story? I have an extra copy... You know the drill. Leave a comment for a chance to win it! Read all the way to the bottom (Come on! You can do it!) for a link to another contest to win other cool prizes.

About the book:

PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:

After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that’s become her life, she needs a fresh start.

The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister’s wedding is Boone—her former flame and the reason she left town.

Her best friend’s husband absolutely did not commit the first murder Kellogg, Minnesota, has seen in more than a decade.

What PJ doesn’t know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she’ll uncover much more than she bargained for—a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she’s been longing for.

It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her hometown, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder--who also happens to be PJ's former flame--is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend's husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.

Read the first chapter...

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

A note from Susan May Warren...
Sometimes, do you feel like you just don’t fit in? You look around you and if anyone knew how difficult it was just to put yourself together, to smile when you feel completely overwhelmed, to even figure out what you were making for supper, they’d know what a mess you were. Maybe you totally relate to those words in 1 Peter – God’s elect, strangers and aliens in the world. Do you feel like when you look in the rear view mirror, all you see are your mistakes?

Maybe not. But if so, then PJ is your gal. I wanted to write a story about the person in so many of us who just wants to get it right…but can’t seem to stay out of trouble. My friend and I have what we call the “stupid mouth” club…and we report our weekly foibles (usually on Monday, after Sunday church!). PJ is our charter member. She’s the girl that changes her mind, always hopes for the best, is always discovering that she is just a little different than everyone else. PJ is us.

And that’s good news. Because God loves PJ. He loves her messiness, and her impulsiveness, her heart bent toward others, the hope that fuels her actions. And He has a plan for PJ – one that includes her weaknesses as well as her strengths.

Yep, I need to hear that – need to hear that I don’t have to be perfect for God to love me, use me, sing over me. Need to hear that although I don’t fit in, well, I’m not supposed to…in fact, I’m supposed to be a little…alien.

I wrote PJ for everyone who feels just a little messy, just a little like they can’t quite get it right. And who needs to hear that God loves them. Period. Full stop. Hallelujah.

Hunt up Trouble! Contest. All the details here.

The Fight of Your Life by Jeffery Dean

2009-05-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long span between posts. Life got a little busier than normal lately. And you can always find me over at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

In the meantime, I want to tell you about Jeffery Dean. He's a man deeply committed to teen ministry and now has a book, The Fight of Your Life: Why your teen is at risk & what only you can do about it. I've only had a chance to take a brief look at this book but look forward to diving in after I finish Boundaries with Teens.

I prayed two years straight for my oldest daughter when she lost interest in church and following her faith. You can read my post about it here. God was so faithful. He heard this mother's prayers and brought my girl back to him in a way I never expected—without me. LOL! I love how he keeps me humble.

I believe there is nothing stronger than a parent committed to praying for his or her teen. Not always easy but very vital in this day and age. I have an extra copy of this book. Would you like to read it too? If so, leave a comment and I'll draw a winner next week. Even if you don't think you need it, I bet you know someone who might.

About the Book:

The Fight of Your Life

Why Your Teen Is At Risk And What Only You Can Do About It

No generation in history has faced anything like the incredible onslaught of destructive influences attacking today’s teens. The media, on the web, music, friendships - - it seems everywhere our teens turn they are bombarded with decisions that could haunt them for the rest of their lives. Yes, this is a different world than the one you and I faced as teens. However, one thing hasn’t changed -- Mom and Dad still make the best champion for a child’s future.

Jeffrey Dean's shockingly truthful and reassuringly practical new book on everything teens is for every parent because no teen is to immune to the battle Satan is waging for their soul. Jeffrey’s simple, encouraging plan—based on the latest facts and timeless Bible insights—shows parents how to ‘power up’ in key areas of concern, like friendships, dating, partying, pornography and web use. Best of all, he shows you how to fight for your teens’ faith, and to help them keep their God given dreams alive.

Mom and Dad, you can win the fight of your life! Jeffrey Dean will show you how.

About the Author:

Jeffrey Dean Ministries

Engage. Empower. Equip.

Today's students are facing a war. Satan is waging a war for the soul of our teens more so than with any previous generation. Our students are bombarded with enticements and deceptions from the evil one meant to keep them from approaching life from God's perspective and ultimately to destroy their lives.

These alluring messages and the adoption of a world-view differing from God's design and plan will lead teens down a road of destruction. Our intent, with everything we do, is to prepare this generation to stand, fight, and win this battle.

Jeffrey Dean Ministries is all about teens and their families. To learn more about Jeffery Dean Ministries, click here.

To read a sample chapter, click here. And don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy. God bless!

Enduring Justice by Amy Wallace

2009-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

I recently finished Enduring Justice and loved it just as much as the first two in the Defenders of Hope series. All three books have ministered to me in some way. And you just can't put these stories down! Amy Wallace weaves deep characters with real issues and struggles. These are stories and characters that linger with you. I can't recommend them enough. This is definitely one of my favorite series of books. And you can win all three! Check it out...

About the book:
A painful past...
Hanna Kessler’s childhood secret has remained buried for over two decades. But when the dark shadows of her past threaten to destroy those she loves, Hanna must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her memories.

A racially-motivated killer...
As a Crimes Against Children FBI Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. Difficult cases and broken relationships have plagued his entire year. But when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else.

A life-altering choice...
A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. The dividing line between the two is the choice to heal. But when the attack turns personal, is justice enough?

Read an excerpt here.

About the Author:
Amy Wallace is a freelance writer and self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and serves as the liaison for the training division of the county police department. Amy is the author of Ransomed Dreams, the first book in the Defenders of Hope series, and a contributing author of several books including God Answers Moms’ Prayers, and God Allows U-Turns for Teens. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Georgia.

About the Contest:
Enter to win all THREE BOOKS in the DOH series by signing up for Amy’s Dark Chocolate Suspense Newsletter and then leave a comment on this blog tour post (http://peek-a-booicu.blogspot.com/2009/04/enduring-justice-blog-tour.html). It’s chock full of insider info on the writing world, a thought-provoking devotion, and easy but yummy recipes. If you already subscribe to the newsletter, just leave a comment saying so on the blog tour post! The winner will be chosen at random on 5/8/09. Two runner's up will also be chosen to win a copy of Enduring Justice. (I love Amy's newsletter. She always includes the best recipes too!)

Out of a five meow rating, Smudge gives a full five mews for this series and each book in it. Hope you get a chance to read them all!

Weekend Devo and a Winner

2009-05-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Love never fails." — 1 Corinthians 13:8

I grew up thinking love was the key to everything. I don't know why, but this was my mental make-up as a child, a teenager, and then a young adult. Yet as I grew older, I started to question if love was really enough.

Over time I noticed that love seemed to fail over and over again—failed marriages, broken families, shattered friendships. And even in my faith I questioned whether love alone was enough to save anyone or anything.

Read the rest at S.U.M.

*And the winner of The Husband Project by Kathi Lipp is Vanessa! Congrats, girl. Send me your info so I can send you this fab book!

Blessings All!

The Husband Project by Kathi Lipp

2009-04-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

About The Husband Project

Do you feel like your marriage has gone from "I do" to "What did I do?" Recapture the romance that made you and your husband fall in love in the first place. The Husband Project provides 21 days of fun activities to show love and honor to your husband. Kathi Lipp will help you discover:

Proven ways to return fun and flirting to your marriage.
Inner assurance to meet your husband’s unspoken emotional needs.
Increased confidence when it comes to meeting your husbands sexual needs.
New levels of warmth and tenderness in your relationship.
A deeper sense of security with your husband.
A greater ability to boost your husband’s belief in himself.

About the Author

Kathi Lipp is a national speaker and author who inspires women to take beneficial action steps in their personal, marital and spiritual lives. Her wit and wisdom will give you new ways to:

Avoid settling for less than God’s loving plan for your life.
Develop new levels of warmth and tenderness with your husband
Return fun and flirting to your marriage
Boost your confidence to follow God-given dreams and goals.
Create and environment of encouragement in your friendships

Join Kathi and renovate your life with a project for your soul!

Q&A with Kathi

Kathi, why did you want to write The Husband Project?

When my husband and I got married, I was determined not to be like so many other couples who turned from romantics to roommates in a matter or months. But, like everyone else, we got back form the honeymoon and had kids and bills and home repairs waiting. It wasn’t long until I packed away the lingerie and was wearing sweats to bed. I knew that if I wasn’t intentional about keeping my husband a priority, it would be easy to let him fall to the middle of my to-do list. I had to get desperate and creative – that is how The Husband Project was born.

Tell me, how does The Husband Project work?

The Husband Project is like a workout program for your marriage – only with less sweat and more chocolate. You commit to do fun and flirty things for 21 days to raise the temperature of your marriage – everything from flirty notes on the bathroom mirror to more lingerie in the bedroom. It is a little bit of work – and a whole lot of fun.

How did you come up with the Projects?

All of these projects are husband tested and wife approved. First I tried things out on my husband, and then I had a group of over 200 women try some of those projects out on their own men. We took the projects that had the highest flirt factor and put them into the book.

Don’t most women want to do nice things for their husbands? Why do you need a book to do them?

Oh, I totally agree. We all have great intentions, but blessing your man is like making dinner: The hardest part isn’t the cooking, it is deciding what to fix. It is the same with the husband project – all the ideas are pretty simple, but the Projects just lay it out so that it is easy to do.

Give me an example of what a project looks like.

Most of the projects take less than 5 minutes or 5 dollars. One woman made her husband’s favorite brownies and put one on his nightstand every evening for five days. Another wife just casually mentioned to her mother-in-law what an amazing man she had raised in front of her husband. That man lived off that compliment for two weeks. We also collected some of the best low-cost dating ideas from the women who have done The Husband Project and have those up on the website at www.kathilipp.com under Free Resources to give you even more ideas than what are found in the book.

What are Bonus Projects?

Bonus Projects are the PG13 part of The Husband Project. They are once a week assignments to have sex with your husband. (I know you won’t be surprised to find out that these were the husband’s favorite projects.)

Besides the Bonus Projects what were some of the husband’s other favorite projects?

The second most popular category of projects was definitely food. The guys loved it when their wives made something just for them. In fact, it was such a big part of the Project that we had the wives send in their favorite recipes that you can get free on my website kathilipp.com It’s called The Ultimate Guide to Man Food and it is all the guys favorite recipes in one collection.

Why do you want women to keep The Husband Project a secret from their guy?

Look, I would never tell you to keep anything from your husband – that is just bad marriage management. But I think The Husband Project should be the exception. I wasn’t upset when my husband threw me a surprise party – this is the same type of situation.

Win a Free Copy!

Leave a comment to enter the drawing for a free copy of The Husband Project! This book is too much fun to miss out on!

Please Help a Friend!

2009-04-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

A very sweet friend lost her husband last week to a heart attack. I had the privilege to pal around with Sara at last year's ACFW conference. She's one of the most vivacious people I've ever met. I can't even imagine what she and her three children are going through. Such a loss...a husband and a dad.

Sara Mills is also the author of an amazing series set in the 1940s about a female PI. Kind of a Film Noir feel to it. Take a look at these awesome stories and if you like what you read, support this wonderful friend and author by purchasing one or both of her books.

Miss Fortune, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #1
By Sara Mills / Moody Publishers

In 1947 Allie Fortune is the only female private investigator in New York City, but she's kept awake at night by a mystery of her own: her fianci disappeared in the war and no one knows if he's still alive. Until Allie finds out, she will have no peace. When there's a knock on her office door at four in the morning, Allie suspects trouble as usual, and Mary Gordon is no exception. Mary claims someone is following her, that her apartment has been ransacked, and that she's been shot at, but she has no idea why any of this is happening. Allie takes the case, and in the process discovers an international mystery that puts her own life in danger.Meanwhile, the FBI is working the case as well, and she is partnered up with an attractive, single agent who would be perfect for her under other circumstances-if only she knew whether her fiancee was still alive.

Miss Match, Allie Fortune Mystery Series #2
By Sara Mills / Moody Publishers

FBI agent Jack O'Connor receives a letter from Maggie, a woman he used to love, saying she's in trouble in Berlin. The FBI refuses to get involved, so Jack asks Allie Fortune to help him investigate. Allie and Jack pose as a missionary couple who want to bring orphans back to the United States. A child finds important documents that everyone in the city - Soviets and allies alike - want for themselves. Maggie refuses to tell Jack what the documents are, saying if things go wrong, they are better off not knowing. Through the course of the search, Allie's past is brought back to her, half a world away from home.

New Beginnings

2009-04-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

Part of the heart message of Christ’s ministry is new beginnings. One of our greatest benefits in salvation is that everyday is a chance start over. We’re human, and we will undoubtedly mess up—daily even. But we have a God who loved so much that he took care of that, too.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… — 1 Peter 1:3

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
— Acts 5:20

Are yesterday’s failures, disappointments, and discouragements keeping you from embracing the joy of His salvation—God’s greatest gift to us? (Psalm 51:12) Guess what? Tomorrow’s a brand new day. Even the very next moment is an opportunity to change direction and start again. As long as our heart’s desire is Christ, we have unlimited chances to try again. Those failures in the past were simply practice and learning tools.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! — 2 Corinthians 5:17

So many of us have struggled greatly in the last year through trials and hardships. Many of us still are. I can’t help but think that as Easter comes, God’s calling us to renew our faith in him and grab hold of new beginnings in our lives, from the smallest to the greatest. In Him we are eternally new!

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. — Romans 6:4

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

The Root of Trust

2009-04-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging today over at Laced with Grace. I hope you'll stop by and read "The Root of Trust." So often our faith struggles start right here, and we wind up trying to take control. Don't we?

*The winner of Havah is Lisa! Congratulations! Send me your info, girl. It's a great book!

Havah: The Story of Eve by Tosca Lee

2009-04-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Tosca Lee is one of my favorite authors. Her first book, Demon: A Memoir, was one of my favorite reads in 2008. I will say, Havah: The Story of Eve is definitely top runner for my favorite of 2009.

The author richly layers the characters of Adam and Eve (Havah). Reading this book is like taking a journey not only through the fall of man but the fall of the marriage relationship. Although marriage doesn't exist at this point as a structured covenant, I felt that I was reading the tragedy of what so many marriages become today—needlessly. I will say at one point in the book, I didn't like Havah. Then I realized it was because she becomes the woman we women today dread becoming—a woman driven by resentment, bitterness, and unmet expectations.

But Lee beautifully brings this character around full circle with the pain of loss, love, and maturity. By the end of the story, Havah moves closer to the beauty she was first intended to be but imbued with more grace and wisdom.

Rich in setting and characterization, this story takes you beyond the surface to imagine what life in Eden may have been like, then deep into the repercussions of the fall on their relationship with each other, the animals, and their children. This is a story we all know, told in depth and imagination that will make you think long past that last page.

Smudge gives Havah: The Story of Eve a five meow rating. Leave a comment for a chance to get a copy of this fabulous book!

The Question of the Ages

2009-03-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

In Judges 6:13, Gideon asks God the question of the ages. "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?"

If we haven't asked it as some point in our lives, even as Christians, we've most definitely wondered about it. Why does God let bad things happen to his people? And if you've walked this journey of faith for any length of time, you've come to understand God uses all these times in our lives to refine us and those around us. But when the fire gets hot, we doubt, question, and even become angry.

If you read further, Gideon reminds God of his past rescues of the Israelites. Gideon wants to know what happened to that God of all the wonders passed down through the generations. We do that too, don't we? We look back at the past and see where God's hand was evident. Then when we don't see Him working immediately in our present circumstances, we fear God has abaondoned us, just as the Israelites and Gideon believed.

But even then, God doesn't defend himself. He simply tells Gideon to save Israel and says, "Am I not sending you now?" God doesn't go into a list of reasons, recounting all the ways the Israelites rejected Him by turning to false gods. He stays in the here and now, reminding Gideon He was right there—right now.

Gideon may not have gotten the answer he wanted to explain the past, but he got a more important response—God's reassurance that He was with Gideon in the midst of what was about to happen.

We may never understand completely why God allows certain difficulties in our lives, but we can go boldly forward in the reassurance that He is with us, always working for our benefit.

No matter how you got there, God is right there with you. Maybe you just couldn't see him beyond the scope of your situation. But like Gideon, God is asking us to look beyond those circumstances and see Him standing there, where He's always been.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

What's Your Story?

2009-03-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

For the last two days I've read the story of Zechariah and his prophecy at the end of Luke 1. As a writer of fiction too, I tend to put myself in these stories and imagine the scene, the character motivations, and what those around them must have thought. Well, my writer brain wound up stuck in this story for two days!

First of all, I got a chuckle out of the people signing at Zechariah to ask what he wanted his son named. The man was mute, not deaf. (Hee hee...) But how real to life is that? It's like someone speaking really loud to a person who doesn't understand English. Like the higher volume will help them suddenly understand the language.

But what really ran deep with me in this story was the time line. For thousands of years, the Jews lived with the Messianic prophecies as something that would happen in the future. They didn't know when. Then Zechariah comes along and puts a definite time frame on something so profound as the Messiah's coming.

I thought of those there for John's circumcision, listening to this priest speak of his son going before the Messiah to prepare the way. Not only did he speak great things about John, but he put a very real and tangible time to when their long awaited "horn of salvation" was coming.

Yet thirty years would pass before Jesus entered his ministry. Did those who witnessed the loosening of Zechariah's tongue and prophecy begin to doubt and wonder as the years passed? As John grew up, did his father's words fall to the wayside for some? Or were they confirmed with each passing day? (And if Elizabeth and Mary were cousins, why didn't Jesus and John meet sooner? The questions are unending!)

My point is, these people had to wait a long time to see if what Zechariah said would really come true. Did they wait expectantly? Or did they begin to doubt?

As I've said before, waiting is a big part of the unequally yoked marriage. As the years pass, it's easy to doubt, to let our prayers lag, and to lose hope. Yet even in this, God gives us examples of people waiting like in Zechariah's story and so many more. These are stories rich in faith and perseverance. Stories of people who didn't give up, even against insurmountable odds.

They are our predecessors and examples of some of the greatest callings recorded. And I can't think of a greater calling than praying without ceasing for the salvation of a loved one.

Even when the odds seem stacked against us, we know our God is a God of Hope and a Keeper of Promises. And with that we can make our own stories of perseverance and faith.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Gatekeepers by Robiert Liparulo

2009-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Robert Liparulo is one of my favorite authors, so this week I'm giving away a copy of Gatekeepers, book three in the Dreamhouse Kings series. Leave a comment for a chance to win!

Last week's winner of Single Sashimi is Megan DiMaria.

About the Book:
In the third novel of this young adult series, the mystery deepens in a house that is more than meets the eye.

It's hard to believe that things could have gotten worse for the King family-but they have. Dad's in handcuffs, the school bully has just found the secret portal that leads from the high school to the house, and Xander is sure he's found Mom, but they can't get back to her. Then Jesse arrives, and he seems to be a virtual Obi Wan of knowledge about the place. But is he the key they need to unlock the secrets, or just a crazy old man?

Dangers are increasing from within and without when Xander makes a startling discovery that explains why they haven't found any rooms that lead to the future. Alongside the threats, though, they're also starting to find some surprising allies.

All they have to do is get organized, get psyched, and get Mom. But that isn't nearly as easy as it sounds.

And the Survey Says!

2009-03-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

From Glass Road Public Relations...
Do you read Christian novels? Do you buy Christian novels? GRPR is conducting a research study and wants to know more about you! If you would like to participate, go to http://tiny.cc/G4IsN to take an anonymous survey about buying Christian fiction. At the end, you can enter to win a library of TEN Christian novels!

From me...
Tune in tomorrow for another book contest and the winner of Single Sashimi!

God's Power

2009-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

For God is working you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. — Philippians 2:13

I have this verse written on a bright green Post-It note stuck on my computer. I pray it at least once a day because I want this dearly, especially in a couple areas of my life in which I struggle. This verse speaks to me of God's ability to bring change in our hearts to accomplish what we can't alone.

It's speaks to me of God's tremendous grace that even in the things we struggle with in stubbornness and disobedience, we can go to him for help. In fact, we have to in order to really accomplish anything. If we could do this stuff on our own power, then Jesus never needed to die.

Sobering thought. And a comforting one. I know how weak I am, and I fail so often. I can choose to beat myself up over it, then try and fail again. OR, I can run to God and pray without ceasing to overcome these areas.

The key here I'm discovering is making the CHOICE. We can wallow in whatever pit, mire, or mud hole we're currently stuck in, or we can choose to embrace God's empowering Holy Spirit and choose to do whatever He leads us to do.

What issue are you grappling with today? Do you need to make a choice? What does relying on God's strength and not our own mean to you?

Have a blessed weekend!
Praying and believing,

Single Sashimi by Camy Tang

2009-03-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite authors (and people!) Camy Tang has written an awesome set of books called the Sushi Series. Sing Sashimi is the third in the series and my favorite one two. They dynamics between her two main characters are fantastic—some of the best dialogue I've read.

Smudge gives this book the most coveted rating of five. And the beauty of it is I have an extra copy in my hands, ready to share! Leave a comment for a chance to win this fabulous story.

About the Book:
Drake Yu. Why would Drake call her after ... what, five years? Six?

Venus heard in his voice that resonance that was almost a growl, that titanium-hard determination to get what he wanted. And he usually got what he wanted. The voice said: "I want you to work for me."

Not this time ... If it was a choice between Drake and McDonald’s—she’d choose french fries. She’d never work for him again. It would take an act of God.

Venus Chau is determined to start her own game development company and launch the next Super Mario-sized phenomenon. However, she needs an investor to back her idea. When Drake Yu, an old nemesis, approaches Venus with a contracting opportunity at his sister’s startup, the offer to become Chief Technology Officer tempts Venus to think the unthinkable.

Venus would rather throw away her PS3 than work for Drake again ... except Grandma bribes Venus to do this favor for Drake’s wealthy family with a coveted introduction to the most respected investor in the game industry. It’s also a short job—only a few months—so Venus won’t have to stand Drake’s presence for very long.

But one wild youth group, a two-faced assistant, and Grandma’s determined match-making threaten to make them both fail—or go insane. With the encouragement of her three cousins, Lex, Trish, and Jennifer, Venus discovers that even a wounded heart can undergo a beautiful transformation...

Knowing God

2009-03-07T21:37:00.001-08:00

From now on if you listen obediently to the commandments that I am commanding you today, love God, your God, and serve him with everything you have within you, he'll take charge of sending the rain at the right time .... Deuteronomy 11:13-14 (MSG)

God is all about timing. He knows the big picture, so of course he knows when to send the rain. God made this promise to the Israelites in regards to their crops, telling them if they obey, he would send what they needed to flourish.

And He asks us to do our part by being obedient and to trust him.

That's not always easy though, is it? We're impatient creatures all to used to getting what we want when we want it. Waiting has almost become a bad word in today's culture. Fast food, fast service, speed dating...our society is all about getting whatever we want as fast as we can.

But God calls us to a different path. Waiting is a big part of his plan. Look at Abraham, Moses, and Joseph. These men did a whole lot of waiting and often in unpleasant conditions. If we have to stand in a line more than five minutes, we feel we've been mistreated.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Even here he calls us to a waiting position, one in which we can truly appreciate his omniscience. Knowing God is believing he will give us what we need. Knowing God is trusting him to work in whatever situation we're struggling with. Knowing God is believing that no matter what He's completely in control.

Knowing God is to also know that we are loved and cared for more deeply than we can even imagine.