Between Sundays

What do you Magnify?

2009-07-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Got this in an e-mail, author unknown---

WHAT DO YOU MAGNIFY???

If you think about a magnifying glass, its purpose is to make objects or text on a page appear larger than they are in reality. When you magnify something, you don't actually change the size of the object, you change your perspective of it.

Our minds can work like a magnifying glass. The more you think about something, the larger you perceive it to be. That's why we have to keep things in the right perspective. If we focus on our problems, they can seem so large that we can be consumed by them! But when you focus on God and magnify Him in your life, all the things of this world just seem so small and insignificant in comparison.

Think about it this way: if you were to hold up a quarter with your arm outstretched in front of you and one eye closed, the quarter seems small compared to everything else around you. But when you pull the quarter in closer to your eye, it appears much larger. In fact, if you hold it close enough, you aren't able to see anything else! So often in life, our difficulties and challenges seem so much larger than they actually are simply because we are holding them closer to us than necessary. We are dwelling on them more than we need to. But when we have the right perspective, those same difficulties become much more manageable.

To keep the right perspective, magnify the right things in your life. When I come up against challenges, I remind myself of all the great things God has done for me. I begin to thank Him for allowing me to know Him; I thank Him for my family, my children, and my husband. I recall how God brought me through past trials and difficult times. I am always amazed at how my perspective changes when I have a grateful heart and choose to count my blessings!

Today, I encourage you to take inventory of your thoughts. Maybe even make a list of all things that are magnified in your life right now. Hold that list out in front of you and think about how big your God is! Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in greater ways. Sing a simple song of praise to Him as you release that list of cares into His loving arms. Remember, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Just watch the weight of the world disappear as you magnify Him in every area of your life.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: WHAT DO YOU EXALT?? WHAT DO YOU MAGNIFY? Is it your problems or the God that is greater than any problem that you have???

"Hot" New Fiction

2009-07-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

Even Smoke Runs From the Fire.

Firefighting burns in Aidan O’Neill’s blood, but his innate gift for reading flames has made him overconfident and sometimes puts lives in danger. When one call goes horribly wrong and a rookie is hurt, Aidan ends up suspended and finds himself questioning everything.

It couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

An arsonist is targeting Reno, leaving a scorched path of destruction. The department calls Aidan back, but his return is troubled. The gift he relied on for so long has gone silent and it’s as though the fires are coming for him, hunting him down. Teaming with a beguiling fire investigator who may know more than she’s saying, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the flames burn ever closer.

An Explosive Blend of Action, Romance, and Danger.

“A sizzling debut novel from a writer who really has the goods. Shawn Grady is an author to watch.”
-James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Deceived

“Shawn Grady is the real deal- a real-life fireman who can take you into the inferno, scare the living daylights out of you, and drag you back out reeking of smoke and gasping for air. Through the Fire is the best book on fire-fighting I’ve ever read, and there’s enough mystery and suspense to keep you scorching through the pages.”
-Randall Ingermanson, Christy award-winning author of Oxygen

Shawn Grady signed with Bethany House Publishers in 2008. �He was named �Most Promising New Writer� at the 39th Annual Mount Hermon Writers Conference. �Through the Fire is his debut novel.

Shawn has served for over a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in northern Nevada. From fire engines and ambulances to tillered ladder trucks and helicopters, Shawn�s work environment has always been dynamic. The line of duty has carried him to a variety of locale, from high-rise fires in the city to the burning heavy timber of the eastern Sierras.

Shawn attended Point Loma Nazarene University as a Theology undergrad before shifting direction to acquire an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science Technology as well as Paramedic licensure through Truckee Meadows Community College.

Shawn currently lives in Reno, Nevada, just outside of Lake Tahoe. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife, three children and yellow Labrador

Happy 4th!

2009-07-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your celebration of our wonderful country.

E-Book Reader Survey

2009-06-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

*** Permission to forward granted, and encouraged ***

This survey is about the price of ebook readers and what price range
would trigger a purchase. The survey is on ll-publications. com.
No personal information is required or gathered by this survey.
Permission is granted to forward this survey to any and all interested
parties.

"Into what range would prices need to drop before you would definitely
purchase an ebook reader?"

The survey is open until 11th July, and survey results will published on
the website as well as reported to all and any interested parties.

We Can Make a Difference

2009-06-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Another excerpt from Liveprayer.com's Daily Devotional. Applies to Christian writers!

As I have shared with you often, our journey through this life is so brief
and over so quickly. James calls it a "vapor." The Bible clearly teaches
that tomorrow is promised to none of us. That is why we must make the most
of each and every day. There are no do-overs. When this journey is over, it
is over, we are not coming back. This is our one and only shot.
Understanding that, it should become the desire of each of us to make each
day count and live it to the fullest.

Very few people in their life will have the opportunity to become the
President of the United States or the leader of a nation. However, EVERY
PERSON has the ability to make a difference in this world no matter what you
have been called to do. I don't care if you are 15 or 115, rich or poor,
male or female, what color your skin is, YOU can make an impact on this
world with your life and be a leader.

God gives each of us passions, things that we develop a love for throughout
our life. God gives each of us gifts, special abilities that come naturally
to us. Throughout our life God opens and closes doors. It is through these
passions we have, through the gifts we have received and developed, and
through the opportunities that life presents us, that each person can make
an impact on this world during the course of their life.

You see, God needs His children in every area of life. He calls His children
to be teachers, doctors, scientists, astronauts, pilots, police officers,
fire fighters, secretaries, bank tellers, garbage collectors, janitors,
nurses, homemakers, car dealers, mechanics, farmers, politicians,
entertainers, lawyers, writers, stock brokers, and any other profession you
can name. Throughout the course of a person's life, God may call someone to
do many different things. The point is, whatever career or profession you
are in, you can make a difference. The key is to do your very best each day
and realize that your life matters.

***Those who know Christ as their Savior have been called to lead. The most
common way we lead is by example, how we live our lives each day before this
lost world we are part of for this brief time.

Of course, no matter how much we may accomplish in our life, our greatest
legacy will be those lives we touch for Christ along our journey. You see my
friend, no matter what your passions may be, what your gifts may be, what
career or occupation you have, we all have the same purpose in this life.
That is to serve and glorify God with our lives. All that we do in this life
comes back to our God-given purpose which is to serve and glorify Him. The
money we accumulate, the property we own, all of the things of this world
will one day pass away, but those lives we impact for Christ will last for
eternity!

New Fiction

2009-06-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Bride In The Bargain
Bethany House (June 1, 2009)
by
Deeanne Gist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called "I Did It!® Productions" and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

Since the debut of those novels, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Wedding Is All Planned...
Someone Just Needs to Tell the Bride
In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride--one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.

Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook--not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride In The Bargain, go HERE

Encouragement

2009-06-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from Bill Keller's devotional today--

If this devotional is a blessing to you, maybe you have a friend or family member that would like to start receiving this daily word. You can forward this to them, and they can use the following link to subscribe.

http://www.liveprayer.com/signup.cfm

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2009
(Romans 8:28, Galatians 6:9)

I want to ENCOURAGE YOU today! I don't know exactly what you are facing in
your life this moment, I don't know what your problems are, what trials and
tribulations you are experiencing in your life right now. But I do know
this, everyone reading these words today is going though something. No
matter what it is, I want to give you a message right from the throne room
of God...DON'T GIVE UP!!!

I am not going to tell you that all of your problems will be solved by the
time you go to bed tonight, chances are they won't. I am not going to tell
you that everything will work out exactly the way you want it to, chances
are they won't. I am going to tell you, however, that God will provide the
answers to whatever your problems may be. I am going to tell you, however,
that God will work everything out. God promised us in His Word, "...and we
know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose."

God told me to tell you today...DON'T GIVE UP!

If you are battling with an illness in your body today...DON'T GIVE UP! If
you are battling with your finances today...DON'T GIVE UP! If you are
battling with your marriage today...DON'T GIVE UP! If you are you are
battling with your employment or schooling today...DON'T GIVE UP! If you are
battling with your children today...DON'T GIVE UP! If you are battling with
an addiction today...DON'T GIVE UP! NO MATTER WHAT YOUR BATTLE IS
TODAY...DON'T GIVE UP!

New Fiction!

2009-06-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Flag Day

2009-06-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Visit this site today.

Knock and the Door Will be Opened

2009-06-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

And this one speaks to writers---

\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

June 7, 2009

VERSE:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock
and the door will be opened to you."
-- Matthew 7:7

THOUGHT:
God wants us to seek his blessings. This is not because he wants
to manipulate our lives, but because he longs to bless us and have
us know the gifts in our lives come from him. So let's seek his
presence, his grace, and his blessing.

PRAYER:
Dear Father, I do need your blessing and guidance. Please bless
me in several areas that weigh heavily on my heart .... (Share with
God some things that are on your heart.) In addition, dear Father,
I need your wisdom in the following matters .... Finally, dear God,
please make your presence in my life very clear to me this week. I
don't doubt your love for me, but I really do need to be reassured
of your nearness as I face the challenges that lie before me at
this time. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Love Your Neighbor

2009-06-02T08:47:00.001-07:00

-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------

June 2, 2009

VERSE:
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the
law of Christ.

-- Galatians 6:2

THOUGHT:
This is just another way of saying, "Love your neighbor as
yourself!" Jesus came to bear our burdens and carry away the stain
and pain of our sin. (Read Isaiah 53 for a powerful description of
God's Suffering Servant, a passage quoted in the New Testament in
reference to Jesus.) He now asks us to live redemptively, in
practical ways, toward those around us. More than just praying, or
asking what we can do to help, we are called to serve, minister,
and assist others who are burdened.

Amish fiction on Nightline!

2009-05-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.

Memorial Day

2009-05-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

In memory and appreciation.

50 Useful Twitter Tools

2009-05-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

From the "Online College Degree" blog---

Twitter is a wonderful social tool, but did you know that it’s also a goldmine of information? You can use Twitter to get the latest scoop on current events as well as topical interests. Read on, and you’ll learn about 50 tools that will help you use Twitter to get the information you seek.

Local

If you’re interested in local happenings, these tools will help you find out what’s going on nearby.

Nearby Tweets: Check out Nearby Tweets to seek out local Twitter users.
Atlas: Use Atlas to see tweets on a map.
GeoFollow: Using the GeoFollow directory, you’ll be able to find users in specific areas.
CityTweets: See real time Twitter activity for cities on CityTweets.
Twittervision: Check out Twittervision for real-time geographic tweets.
TwitterLocal: On TwitterLocal, you can find tweets in a designated location.
Localtweeps: Check out Localtweeps to find Twitter users near you.
Topical

Topical

Using these tools, you can find Twitter users and tweets that directly relate to the topic you’re interested in.

Twubble: Twubble highlights Twitter users who have specific interests.
Twellow: Twellow’s Twitter directory offers a Twitter yellow pages.
TweetChannel: Create Twitter channels to monitor through TweetChannel.
Twits Like Me: Twits Like Me will allow you to find related users.
WeFollow: Check out WeFollow to find users based on interest.
Twitter Packs: Twitter Packs offers an organized listing of Twitter users in a variety of different categories.
Alerts

Set up alerts with any of these services to find out when a Twitter user discusses something you’d like to hear about.

TweetScan: TweetScan will help you research on Twitter, getting updates for your selected keywords.
Monitter: Keep an eye on keywords, and find out geographic areas as well.
TweetBeep: Use TweetBeep to get updated on keywords and phrases.
Twilert: Twilert emails you every time someone tweets with your keywords.
Search

Find the rest of the tools and links here.

New Fiction!

2009-05-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Beloved Counterfeit
Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 2009)
by
Kathleen Y'Barbo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

KATHLEEN MILLER Y’BARBO is a tenth-generation Texan and a mother of three grown sons and a teenage daughter. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and an award-winning novelist of Christian fiction whose first published work jumped onto the Christian Booksellers Association bestseller list in its first month of release. Kathleen is a former treasurer for the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a member of the Author’s Guild, Inspirational Writers Alive, Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild, and the Fellowship of Christian Authors. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker, and her kids think she’s a pretty cool mom, too…most of the time, anyway.

ABOUT THE BOOK

LOVE CAN COVER A MUTITUDE OF SINS

Washed ashore on Fairweather Key, Ruby O’Shea and her three nieces─the offspring of the pirate Thomas Hawkins and Ruby’s late sister─have a chance for a new beginning as Ruby takes a job in a boardinghouse and the girls are passed off as her daughters. But will Ruby be able to confess all when she falls for Micah Tate, a widower, wrecher, and soon-to-be preacher?

Micah is determined to marry the young woman who has captured his heart despite knowing she has something to hide. But will he be able to remain true to his vows when his lady love’s shady past comes to light?

Captain Thomas Hawkins will go to any length to discover the whereabouts of his daughters. What will his determination cost the folks of Fairweather Key?

When Ruby finds herself bereft of her newfound love and protector, will she run away in an attempt to escape her present as she did her past? Will Micah’s love cover the multitude of Ruby’s sins, or will Ruby’s duplicity cost her everything?

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

New Rules for Author Promo

2009-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Paperback Writer has an interesting list of the new requirements publishers are putting on their authors regarding self-promotion. Take a look.

Press Release

New York, NY -- Major publishers wrapped up final negotiations today with the Authorial Guild on new industry standards for mandatory author promotional participation guidelines, to be included in all past, present and future publishing contracts.

The new guidelines, which cover some innovative and untried forms of promotion that all authors will be required to perform, include:

Bookstore Handsales: Authors will spend two nights per week working the aisle where their latest release is located at the nearest large chain bookstore. When a browser enters the aisle, the author will immediately engage them in conversation, show them the release and advise them that it is the best book they have ever read. If there is more than one author in an aisle, they will work together to handsell copies to the unaware. If the author has a highly visible book jacket photo, the author will of course wear a clever disguise, or at least not so much makeup.

Carnival Book Games: Authors will purchase gaming vendor space at every circus, carnival, RenFaire or other outdoor event in their area to sell their latest release. Books will only be awarded to event patrons who play until they have covered the purchase price of the book; all other patrons will be awarded bookmarks and widgets (to be provided by the author.) The publishers suggest using such classic exciting games as Penny Pitch-A-Novel, Guess the Author's Age/Weight/Real Name, Bio Photo Darts or everyone's favorite, The Novelist Dunk.

Smile and Read the rest here.

Happy Mother' s Day!

2009-05-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from Liveprayer.com's daily devotional--

A mother's love. On this day that we honor our mothers, I thought it fitting
to share with you this wonderful story from God's Word that personifies a
mother's love. I have often said a mother's love can be broken down into the
3 P's. Pleading, persistence, and prayer. I can testify today that the only
reason I am in the ministry is because my mother who is with the Lord now,
pleaded, was persistent, and prayed. I have no doubt that many of you know
Jesus as your Savior because of your mother's prayers. So in honor of our
mothers, let me break down the 3 P's of a mother's love for you.

A mother will plead for her child. It was the deep love for her daughter
that drove the Canaanite woman in today's scripture to Jesus, pleading for
mercy for her daughter. In our time of despair, "something" pulls us to God.
Many people, who openly reject God, will cry out in a time of need. Even
believers will live apart from Christ, not giving Him much time in their
daily life...until the trials come. This mother in her hour of need, knew
where to go to plead for help.

Persistence is something that defines a mother. Moms have a God-given talent
to stay on something, no matter how long it takes, to get the job done. Many
times, God delays His answer to test our belief, much like He did in the
parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:2-5. Are you serious about the
needs in your life? Then don't give up...be persistent. Isaiah 65:24 gives
us that special promise, "Before they call I will answer; while they are
still speaking, I will hear." God has promised to hear and answer our
prayers, but that does not always mean in our timing. Often, we need to be
persistent, like this Canaanite mother who was not going to be denied the
miracle she sought for her daughter.

If persistence defines a mother, then prayer is her greatest weapon. In
verse 25 of today's scripture we hear the simple prayer of faith, "Lord help
me!" Moms are prayer warriors. Moms know that it is prayer that moves the
hand of God. Moms know that prayer works because it demonstrates to God that
we are powerless in our own strength, and have put our faith in Him. Jesus
healed this woman's daughter because of her faith!

Had these thoughts about editors?

2009-05-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Found a good article today on Jeremiah Tolbert's blog--it's basically geared toward the Sci-Fi industry, but still applies to all writers.

5 Lies Writers Believe About Editors

At least in the science fiction community, there’s a lot of false community wisdom floating around about the editorial process. Some of them may have been true once. Some were probably invented to mess with the heads of noobs. Some of them are carefully nutured lies, like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Well, no longer. I’m here to tell you the truth, no matter how ugly it may be.

LIE #1: Editors give every story fair consideration. OR: Editors reject stories without reading them at all.

Continue reading here.

Enduring Justice

2009-05-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

In Enduring Justice, 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 thoughts.

Crimes Against Children FBI Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. And when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else.

A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. When the attack turns personal, is healing still possible?

This thought-provoking novel deals with healing from sexual abuse, the balance of justice and mercy, and maintaining mixed-race friendships in the midst of racial tension. Readers who enjoy investigative thrillers by Dee Henderson, Colleen Coble, and Catherine Coulter, and who watch crime dramas like Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace will love this book—and the entire series.

Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams and Healing Promises, a homeschool mom, and self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Enduring Justice is a dynamic and powerful installment to the Defenders of Hope series. Amy Wallace has crafted an engaging, tense story of racial hate, repressed pain, and redeemed lives. Enduring Justice is a great read!”
–Mark Mynheir, homicide detective and author of The Night Watchman

“In Enduring Justice, Amy Wallace has done what few writers can. She’s given us a realistic portrayal of life, while finding hope in the despair. Pay attention to this one. She’ll be around for a long time to come.”
–Brandt Dodson, author of White Soul and Daniel’s Den

“Amy Wallace writes spine-tingling prose. Prepare for plenty of adrenaline spikes as Enduring Justice races relentlessly from crisis to crisis. Wallace seamlessly blends the characters’ personal triumphs and tragedies with a time bomb of a domestic terrorist plot that threatens the core liberties of the nation.”
–Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of Reluctant Burglar and Evidence of Murder

“If you love breath-stealing suspense, unforgettable characters, and remarkable spiritual depth in your fiction, Enduring Justice is a book to savor. Amy Wallace is at her best with this poignant, grace-filled addition to her deeply satisfying Defenders of Hope Series.”
–Claudia Mair Burney, author of Wounded: A Love Story

Ordering info here

New Chicken Soup

2009-05-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

Ever been frustrated by the little white golf ball? Share the stories of many golfers, the well-known and the unknown, who all can relate to the difficulties of the game. And who all share a love for it as well.

My own dh has a brief story included. Check it out here.

Yesterday's Embers

2009-04-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

This new story by Deborah Raney made me laugh and cry, and definitely brought back earlier memories of being a new wife and stepmom.

Tragedy has left Doug DeVore with five children to raise alone. When Mickey Valdez, the children’s daycare teacher, lends a helping hand, sparks flicker between them and quickly ignite. But romance and real life are two very different things, and too late, Doug and Mickey realize they've said "I do" to something neither of them bargained for. Now they must find a way to untangle their knot of hasty choices without breaking the hearts of five precious children—or their own—in the process.

For more info on this book and the Clayburn series, visit Deb's site here.

New Fiction

2009-04-29T09:59:00.001-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Nothing But Trouble
Tyndale House Publishers (May 1, 2009)
by
Susan May Warren

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. Her favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota is where she met her husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living.

The north woods easily became the foundation for her first series, The Deep Haven series, based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. Her first full-length book, Happily Ever After, became a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

As an award winning author, Susan returned home in 2004, to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.

You can sample a chapter of each and every one of Susan's novels, on her website, HERE.

ABOUT THE BOOK

PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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 home town, 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

If you would like to read the first chapter of Nothing But Trouble, go HERE

New Fiction

2009-04-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Auction for a Great Cause

2009-04-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Popular author Brenda Novak is hosting her fifth annual online auction to benefit Juvenile Diabetes. Her son has the disease, and her efforts raise funds in a most painless way for booklovers and writers. Items up for bid include a wide variety of books, ARCs (advance review copies), items donated and signed by well known authors, critiques of the bidder's work by authors, gift baskets, trips, jewelry, artwork and more. There are also special one-day auctions and raffles. Brenda awards a wonderful prize to the person who makes the most bids during the month--although they don't have to be the winning bidders to qualify.

Brenda tells us:

"Every year, in the month of May, I run my online auction for Diabetes Research. The auction takes a full year to plan and pull off, but it’s a labor of love—for all the people who, like my son, suffer from diabetes.

My very first auction ran in 2005 and was a huge success. Together with my generous donors, which included some of the biggest and brightest stars in publishing, I raised $34,982, which went directly to research. In year 2, we did even better and raised $62,705. In year three, we more than doubled at $141,700. Year four, we raised over $250,000. We’re definitely on a roll - each year gets bigger, brighter and better."

Register and preview the wonderful auction items here.

New Fiction!

2009-04-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Elisha's Bones
(Bethany House March 1, 2009)
by
Don Hoesel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don Hoesel was born and raised in Buffalo, NY but calls Spring Hill, TN home. He is a Web site designer for a Medicare carrier in Nashville, TN. He has a BA in Mass Communication from Taylor University and has published short fiction in Relief Journal.

He lives in Spring Hill with his wife and two children.

Elisha's Bones is his first novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Every year, professor of antiquities Jack Hawthorne looks forward to the winter break as a time to hide away from his responsibilities. Even if just for a week or two. But this year, his plans are derailed when he's offered almost a blank check from a man chasing a rumor.

Billionaire Gordon Reese thinks he knows where the bones of the prophet Elisha are--bones that in the Old Testament brought the dead back to life. The bones of the prophet once raised the dead to life... but they vanished from history in a whisper.

Bankrolled by a dying man of unlimited means, Hawthorne's hunt spans the globe and leads him into a deadly conspiracy older than the church itself. A born skeptic, Jack doesn't think much of the assignment but he could use the money, so he takes the first step on a chase for the legendary bones that will take him to the very ends of the earth.

But he's not alone. Joined with a fiery colleague, Esperanza Habilla, they soon discover clues to a shadowy organization whose long-held secrets have been protected . . . at all costs. And he soon discovers those sworn to keep the secret of the bones will do anything to protect them. As their lives are threatened again and again, the real race is to uncover the truth before those chasing them hunt them down.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Elisha's Bones, go HERE