GIVEAWAY!!!

I'm giving away another free, autographed copy of my romantic suspense novel, "Midnight Angel".

If you haven't read or received a copy of my book yet, please sign up!

All you have to do to enter your name in the drawing is simply leave a comment to this blog post about why you'd like to read "Midnight Angel". (because you know me? because you like the cover art? because the blurb sounds good?) I'm trying to gain some feedback so this helps me out a lot!



Thanks so much for playing! =)

DRAWING WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 7th!

The Dead Whisper On - by T.L. Hines

Tony is the author of the acclaimed Waking Lazarus. He has been an advertising agency owner/principal, a trade amgazine editor, and now a novelist.He has been a professional writer for more than 15 years with articles appearing in publications as varied as Log Homes, Conservative Theological Journal, and Travel & Leisure. He is also Creative Director at Montana's largest advertising agency.His long list of past odd jobs includes trimming Christmas trees, sorting seed potatoes, working the graveyard shift at a convenience store, and cleaning cadaver storage rooms. As a teen he was undefeated in air guitar competitions in which he performed songs by ZZ Top. He lives in Montana with his wife and daughter.

Would You Run Into A Burning Building?

Candace "Canada Mac" MacHugh lives a ghost of her former life. Once a proud Butte, Montana, miner who daily risked her life setting explosives, she's now a garbage collector in her dying hometown. Her beloves father is dead and she doesn't speak to her mom. More than anything, Candace Mac misses her father. He promised to contact her from the "other side" if he could...but it's been eleven long years. And now even her beloved city of Butte, Montana, seems to be dying off.Candace Mac is alone. Longing for the past. Dreaming of making a difference.Until one night when her father's voice speaks to her from the shadows. Bud MacHugh's trademark growl. The dead, it seems, have messages they hunger to share with the world...warnings of impending disasters and grave danger. Of cities doomed to burn.But they need Canada's help.T.L. Hines' first novel, Waking Lazarus was named one of the Library Journal's Top 25 Genre novels of 2006. Now he's back with a gripping suspense that brings to light our fears and asks us if we still have the courage to fight for those around us. if we have the guts to be one of those who run into burning buildings.

"Chilling!" Publishers Weekly

"...a well-paced suspense populated by dynamic characters." Kirkus Discoveries

My thoughts:

"The Dead Whisper On" was a unique, intriguing tale. I emailed T.L. Hines halfway through the novel and congratulated him on being the first author to truly freak me out in a novel. =)

This is one book to read with your back to a wall and a large dog at your feet. But you won't regret it - despite the goosebumps and jaw-dropping twists, you'll discover sincere glimmers of truth and hope that will rock your world. And your views...

CHECK OUT T.L.'s WEBSITE AND BUY HIS BOOK HERE!

Chocolate tastes better when mixed with relief!

GOD IS SO GOOD! Last night's speaking engagement went perfectly. I honestly couldn't have asked for better!

Thanks to all who prayed for me and encouraged me. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Its so reassuring to know there are people out there, fellow Christians who truly care and love you and mean it when they promise to pray. I appreciate each of you SO much!!

Here's a recap of the evening:

We started with dinner at 6:30 - and of course I couldn't eat a thing! I had a few bites of fruit salad and then the nerves took over! So I read over my notes and at 7:00, the host did a welcome and we listened to a string quartet play two hymns - very beautiful and very elegant. The entire evening was set up so nicely!!

At 7:15, they played a slideshow introduction of a Christian comedian who is coming to our city in a few months. That was my cue to start coming up to the stage, since my table was near the back. I gathered my props (a watch and a 1/2 lb candy bar!) and my notes and walked up to the stage, where the host was then beginning my introduction. I took the microphone and as I arranged my props and notes on the podium, I opened with my introduction, which worked out well (and was true!)

"Earlier this morning, I was sitting at my desk at work, praying that God would give me a distraction - something to think about instead of being nervous about speaking in front of you tonight." (everyone chuckled) "Well, I kid you not, before my lunch break was over, not only had we had a fire in the building two floors down, but a suspicious package was reported at the credit union next door, which warranted not only the fire department, but the bomb squad!" Everyone started laughing and gasping in shoick, and I continued, making a little face. "Next time, I might need to be more specific." (everyone roared!) I was soooo glad, their laughing put me totally at ease and I felt much better for the rest of my speech! Definitely a God-thing!




I took up the ten minutes alloted to me, and felt really good about it. It's somewhat of a blur, looking back at those ten minutes, but I remember smiling at people and making sure I looked around at all sides of the room, all these things I was sure I wouldn't remember, I did! Again, such a God thing. Afterward, I sat back down and DEVOURED my dinner. lol They had saved it for me. =)



The keynote speaker was also fabulous, and afterward, I went to my table set up by the door and sold 30 books, ran out, and took orders for 7 more!!! It was amazing! So many women told me how wonderful I did - which meant that God did exactly what I prayed - spoke through me and made me the totally unnecessary vessel! It all went very smoothly and that's how I KNOW it was Him!! One woman even gave me her card and wants me to come speak at a senior living center! Wow!

Again, thanks so much for the support and encouragement. It helped me out knowing my fellow writer buds were praying =)

So now that my 1/2 lb candy bar has fulfilled its duty during my speech - its slowly disappearing ...

So today, I'm a little nervous.

Okay, that might be the biggest understatement of my entire life. I'm more than a little nervous. I'm actually making up songs in my head to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It" and exchaging the word happy for "nervous" or "shaking". (hey, it gave my crit buds a good laugh!)

What am I doing that's so scary? What is happening in my life that is such a dramatic, horribly big deal that would cause such stress and anxiety and body malfunctions???

I'm speaking at my old church.

But no no, there's more.

Tonight, at 6:30 central time, I will be speaking to a group of about 350 women, all gathered together to eat and actually listen to the more well-known keynote speaker. Thankfully, I get to speak first, so I will be able to concentrate on the speaker after me. Whew. The theme of the night is "Dinner & A Story". Since I grew up in this church and am now published, the women's ministry coordinator asked me to come give a quick talk on my publication journey and how God plots our lives. Sounds simple. She forgot to mention the 350 people part and the fact that I'll actually be on a STAGE, with a microphone and a podium. :::Shiver:::

Truthfully, I'm honored to be asked. I'm excited and looking forward to it, I really am. Just wish I didn't turn blotchy red and shake when placed front & center before a large crowd. I'll probably keep a death grip on the mic to still my hands and hope I don't drop my notes from my fluttering fingers! At least the red/blotchiness is easily handled - I'm wearing a button up shirt and suit jacket! (too bad its not November, I could wear a turtleneck!)

I'm really NOT a shy person. Put me with a group of friends and I'll have a blast. I can teach Sunday School small groups or talk to a group of coworkers at one time with no problem. Its the crowd-aspect that makes my stomach feel like a rock and sends me shaking so hard people wonder if I'm having a reaction of some kind. I can even do small talks or speak in front of people when its spontaneous, without problem. Its the planning part, the "its coming, its coming!" part that makes me quiver. I think I just don't like anticipation - same with roller coasters. I hate riding roller coasters because of the waiting-in-line time. I stand there and get nervous and think of all the horrible things that could happen to me and dwell on the fact that I really don't want to drop so many stories/feet in a small, metal car. But one December we took a family trip to Disney World, and there was NO lines. None. We walked straight up to the biggest rides there, and got straight on the cars. And I had a blast! No dreading-time. Just straight fun.

So I guess the moral of the story is, if you want me to speak for you, ask me about 30 minutes in advance. LOL

Just kidding. =P

Seriously, I'm nervous but excited, and I know God will be on that stage with me. He gave me the words I'm going to say and of that I'm certain. This will be a good stretch for me and will prepare me for future speaking events (Lord willing) as my writing ministry increases (again, Lord willing).

Even so, your prayers would be sincerely appreciated today!!! =)

THE VOID - by Mark Mynheir

Mark Mynheir is a cop writer. He has authored Rolling Thunder (The Truth Chasers Book One) & From the Belly of the Dragon (The Truth Chasers Book Two) During his career as a police officer, Mark has worked as a narcotics agent, a S.W.A.T. team member, and a homicide detective. Mark and his wife, Lori, live with their three children in central Florida.

The Truth Chasers Book Three

Someone’s trying to play God…and he’s turning Palm Bay into hell. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention, and it shows: She has no personal life and doesn’t know the meaning of a day off. After all, someone has to be around to clean up the mess crime leaves behind. So when Officer Brad Worthington is brutally murdered, Agent Sanchez is called to the scene along with Brad’s best friend, Detective Eric Casey. The two turn to Lifetex, the genetics lab near the scene, hoping their elaborate security system might have captured the crime outside.But what’s going on inside the lab is far worse: a renegade scientist is cloning humans! As Robbie and Eric pursue clues–and a growing attraction–they are caught in a deadly battle as the clones begin to act on their own volition…but this battle threatens to claim more than human life; the clones are vying for human souls.

"The Void is nothing short of a page-turner. Mynheir is truly hitting his stride as one of our industry's most notable Christian novelists. This latest book has it all: suspense, humor, intrigue, realistic police action, and one thought-provoking story line." ~ Creston Mapes ~ Author of Nobody

I personally thought this book was beyond fabulous. It absolutely took Christian fiction to an entirely new level! Demon-possessed clones? How could it get better than that?? =) I've talked with Mark before, and he is a kind-hearted, extremely talented writer, who has helped me with cop questions in the past for my own WIP. He's the real deal, and so are his books!

Buy your copy of The Void here! You can't miss this one!

"A New Promise" by Julie Eller

"A New Promise" is a beautiful tale of forgiveness and hope for a family shattered by sickness. This novel portrays the journey of each family member as they deal with the fear and despair that comes from dealing with a mother/wife stricken with Huntingtons disease.

Julie Eller invites her readers to cheer, cry, and laugh right along with the Parnell family as they struggle to find meaning and faith in an otherwise hopeless situation. Julie's words serve as a flashlight shining the truth of God's comfort and peace in dark times, and is an inspiration to all.

If you're looking for a good read with realistic, three-dimensional characters that takes place in the heart of a beautiful farmland, look no further. "A New Promise" is just for you.

From Stressed to Blessed

Do you ever just wake up in the mornings and think...

"UGH"?

It's becoming quite common for me. Too much to do, not enough time to do it in, and never enough hours of sleep. The last several weeks, I've been clinging to the mental picture of me tapping God on the shoulder and saying "Excuse me...can I have a time warp please?" Hey, Joshua got one - God stopped the sun for him! I'm not asking for anything dramatic. No need to mess with the yearly calendar and weather patterns of the entire world. Just another hour or two a day would be sufficient! =)

The term "when it rains, it pours" isn't really adequate in my current situation. More like "When it rains, it hurricanes." (And hey, even better, it rhymes! ha!) Right in the middle of trying to sell our house and close on our land and new house (which due to circumstances outside our control, has become quite complicated), my husband breaks his ankle. Which also slams the door shut on his entering the fire department this year as planned. Now he's gotta wait for January, which, by the way, was a HUGE disappointment to him. He's realized now it was all for a reason, and is looking forward to January, but the emotion of that revelation was hard to deal with for both us. Also, because of the ankle, we're only getting 2/3's of his paycheck since he's off his feet for 6 weeks. (With all that being right in the middle of the house drama, it is in MY opinion bad timing, but I realize God's timing is perfect, even though it might not always be understandable...) Also, admist those stress factors, I'm trying to finish my current WIP to pitch at the ACFW conference in September (the highlight of my year!) and all the details that go with... (writing a synopsis, updating business cards, creating one-sheets, etc.) THEN, I got asked by the women's ministry coordinator at my old church to speak at their women's retreat in a few weeks. That was great news, of course, but as I'm not yet experienced with public speaking, it's making me just as nervous as it is making me excited!

So, yes, lots going on. Not sure where my hubby will be working in a few months. Not sure where we'll be living. (Anyone wanna buy our house? hehe) But God knows. And after my pity party ends, I realize that God is STILL in control and STILL has a plan. He knows my limit of what I can handle and better yet, is teaching me I can handle anything when I just give it over to Him. I might not get all my answers today, or even get my requested time warp, but as long as my heart and motivations are on the right track, He'll see me through. I know God will bless my efforts and my time, He desires me to be productive as much as I do, and knows what I truly need to accomplish. But in the middle of that is a big bubble of rest that I feel Him inviting me to plop down into.

"Rest, my little busy bee. Don't forget why you're doing the things you do. Breathe. I'm still here. And my watch hasn't stopped."

So for all of you out there feeling overwhelmed, stressed, empty, run-down, maxed-out.... (hey, this sounds like Lucy's Vitameatavegiman commercial!! lol) take it the One whose broad shoulders never tire of our heavy loads.

You'll probably find me right there using His other one =)

Return to Me - by Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin is the author of over fifty novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by Library Journal. Winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin, who is also one of our CFBA members, lives in Boise, Idaho.

Contact Robin and buy her book here!



Discouraged and destitute, her dreams shattered, Roxy Burke is going home. But what lies beyond the front door?Rejection...or a bright future?
A lot has changed since Roxy Burke escaped small town life to become a Nashville star. Her former boyfriend Wyatt has found Christ and plans to become a minister. Her sister Elena, who comforted Wyatt when Roxy ran away, is now his fiancee. Her father Jonathan, a successful businessman, is heartbroken over the estrangement of Roxy from the family.

Now Roxy...her inheritance from her grandmother squandered, her hopes of stardom dashed...finds her way home...not by choice but because it's her only option. Her father's love and forgiveness surprise her, but her very presence throws the contented Burke family into turmoil, filling Roxy with guilt and shame.

Elena is shocked to discover doubt and resentment in her heart after her father's easy acceptance of Roxy into the family circle. Wyatt wrestles with doubts about marrying Elena. And Roxy struggles to accept forgiveness. Isn't she more deserving of rejection? As the story of the prodigal plays out, each member of the Burke family must search for and accept God's grace.

Stranger than fiction...

Last Friday, my husband broke his ankle at work. This wasn't fun, of course, but you know what his biggest complaint was? He didn't have a good story to tell! He simply stepped off a ladder wrong, and snapped his fibula. Thankfully, the fibula is a non-weight-bearing bone, as I quickly learned, so he was put into a walking cast and was hobbling around on it and crutches the very same day. Could have been SO MUCH worse! But poor hubby felt that if he was going to have to deal with a cast, pain meds, crutches, and six weeks off work on disability pay, he deserved a more worthwhile story - he rolled off a roof, perhaps, or fell out of a tree rescuing a bird. Something, ANYthing more dramatic than "I stepped off a ladder."

Sigh.

Don't worry, he cheered up last night. We went to Target to buy a gift for a baby shower, and he commandeered one of those wheelchair-carts to ride around on so he didn't have to carry the crutches. Now, if that was my choice to make, I'd prefer crutches. The mere thought of tootling around on one of those little carts makes me tinge pink.

But not my hubby.

Nope, he rode that chair like it was a black stallion and he was my knight in shining armor. Or, more accurately, a stick-horse, since the cart couldn't even keep up with my walking strides. That thing went SO slow! Of course, Hubby played it up by clenching the handlebars and leaning down low, keeping a determined, focused expression on his face as he zoomed at .5 mph around the produce bins, bobbing his neck out repeatedly like a chicken.

Ohhhh, no. Just wait.

So we snag a shower gift (after it takes us fifteen minutes to get down the main aisle to the baby row. I promise I could have carried him faster!! LOL) and head toward the cash registers. Hubby is behind me (I walk faster than the machine, remember) with the bibs, rubber ducky and blankets in the wheelchair basket, yelling "I'm coming, baby! I'm coming!" and basically having the time of his life by seeing how red I can get.

I stop and wait for him to catch up while deciding which line to go to. Hubby points to the one in front of us. "It's a straight shot, baby. I don't even gotta stop! Go to that one." I start walking, he put-puts behind me, yelling "Keep a look out, baby, I'm not stopping!"

I start giggling at the absurdity of our situation and decide to play along. "It's all clear! Nobody coming.....except her."

A brunette middle-aged woman is walking rapidly down the width of the row of registers. I stop and stare in horror as the scene unfolds before me, and I can't do anything about it because I'm already laughing hysterically at what I know is about to happen.....

Hubby, back to his determined, proud-steed experession, is chicken-bobbing his head and put-putting toward the register straight in front of him, seemingly in slow motion, his eyes dead ahead. This brunette, obviously on a mission, is walking straight toward him, coming at his right side. Her head is turned and her eyes are locked on the row of registers, probably searching for one without a line, and she's walking literally ten times faster than Hubby.

BOOM.

She slams into the side of his wheelchair cart and almost falls INTO the basket mounted on the front. Hubby has this horrified expression on his face, like its somehow his fault, even though HE was actually going ten times slower than the woman. The brunette is hysterically apologizing, probably thinking he's actually lame or something. And me, the weird author-wife, is standing five feet away, doubled over and clutching her stomach because she's howling with laughter. Hubby turns around in the wheelchair and yells, "I thought you said it was all clear!"


I. Lost. It.

We finally checked out, both of us still giggling uncontrollably, the poor innocent woman now several registers away and I think, still apologizing.

Hubby no longer needs a good accident-story. He's happy with this one.

Truth, stranger than fiction? OH yes.