When Surrender Bay came in the mail, I thought I’d get a jump start on my CFBA reading and be ahead of the ballgame for a change. I can tell you that this book throughly grabbed me and held me. In fact, I plowed through it between supper and bedtime in one evening. We won’t discuss what time bedtime was that night! I can tell you, however, that I don’t think my copy of the book even has a crease in the spine. Those pages were flying!  I encourage my blog readerst o check this out great story! If you like it (and you will) then you’re in for a treat, because the second book will be released in April of 2008.

About the Author ~

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped.Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!In addition to Surrender Bay, the second Nantucket book releases in April 2008. The title is The Convenient Groom and features Kate Lawrence, a relationship advice columnist, whose groom dumps her on her wedding day. Denise is currently at work on the third Nantucket book (Oct 2008) which is untitled so far.

About the Book ~

When Sam’s estranged step-father dies, she inherits his ocean-front cottage in Nantucket–not because he kindly bequeathed it to her, but because he neglected to ever create a will. Sam returns to the island she left 11 years ago with her daughter Caden to fix up the house and sell it, but she isn’t counting on is the fact that Landon Reed still lives two doors down from her childhood home.As their long-dormant romance begins to bud again, Sam must face the fact that Landon still doesn’t know why she really left the island. Will the secrets she’s hidden all these years tear them apart? Or is Landon’s love really as unconditional as he claims?

“I’ve always thought Denise Hunter was an amazing writer but this wonderful story sets her firmly at the forefront of compelling love stories. How Landon breaks down Samantha’s determination that she is unworthy of love kept me glued to the pages. An amazing story!”

–Colleen Coble, author of Fire Dancer (Smoke Jumper Series)

I have had a few unexpected surprises in the last few hours. Last night I rolled over in bed to discover a child balancing precariously on the edge of the mattress. Surprise! Once I identified which son it was (I’m in denial that my youngest is as long as he is, and with both boys blonde, I usually have to take a moment to identify them in my sleepy stupor), I guided him back to his own bed.

On Tuesday mornings, Mike attends Men’s Fraternity ( a Bible Study) at our church with 100+ other men. It starts at 6 a.m.! So, I’m guessing it was about 5:45 when I nearly jumped out of my skin at the feel of real lips on my own. Surprise! We kiss good-bye every morning, but in a dead sleep it freaked me out!

Two hours later I had downed an extra large coffee and sucked down a protein shake. I stood in the shower longer than usual in an attempt to psych myself up to start our school day shortly. This is a bizarre question, but do you have a very specific shower routine? I mean…wash the left arm first, then the right, then…  You know what I mean? Well, I do and for whatever reason, I broke the routine this morning. I won’t be doing that again. I ended up with serious soap in my contact-clad eyes and was in misery for the last few minutes of my shower. That’s probably why I missed the announcement of my next surprise. I turned off the water, slid open the door, and began feeling for the clean towel I’d left on the toilet seat. Surprise! My hand met flesh and a perky little voice chirped, “Hi, Mommy!” My five  year old was perched on the potty.

A few minutes ago my preteen passed through my room and as she cleared the doorway she said, “I love you, Mom!” Surprise!

 It’s not quite nine a.m. yet and I feel like I’m on the edge of my seat. I most likely have a good 14 hours of awake time ahead of me and I can only imagine the surprises God has instore for me. Several times His Word reminds us …”Do not be surprised…”

‘…that I say “You must be born again.” ’ John 3:7

“…at the painful trial you are suffering.” 1 Peter 4

‘…if the world hates you.” 1 John 3

If Jesus does something unexpected… John 4

I don’t know what your day holds for you. Neither do I know what He has in store for me, but I’m ready to be amazed and surprised by His blessings. Surprise!

About the Author ~

Austin Boyd writes from his experience as a decorated Navy pilot, spacecraft engineer and an astronaut candidate finalist. Austin lives with his wife Cindy and four children in America’s “Rocket City”–Huntsville, Alabama, where he directs business development for a large NASA and defense contractor. His creative talents include inspirational fiction and poetry, finely crafted reproduction colonial furniture, archery and long distance cycling. He serves his community as an advocate for a crisis pregnancy center and as a motivational speaker in the area of lifestyle evangelism.

THE RETURN is part of the Mars Hill Classified Series with The Evidence and The Proof

About the Book ~

IS SEEING BELIEVING?

Six years after completing a manned mission to the Red Planet, Admiral John Wells is set to make another journey to Mars. But this time his crew is not alone, as John’s team encounters a secret colony comprised of individuals pursuing John Raines’ strange religion, the “Father Race.”

“Austin Boyd is one of the brightest new voices in Christian fiction. His long association with the space program lends authenticity as he reveals the turmoil in the minds and hearts of those who are willing to risk everything by making that journey. In The Return, we learn that both human emotions and God’s presence reach far beyond the pull of Earth’s gravity.”
–Richard L Mabry, author of The Tender Scar

About the Author ~

Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.

To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within.

Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.

About the Book ~

IT’S BEEN 500 YEARS IN THE MAKING…PREPARE TO BE ILLUMINATED…
August Adams has failed his family before. He’s sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.

It’s a secret that could yield unimaginable wealth, undermine two major religions, and change the course of Western civilization. Two ruthless, ancient organizations are willing to do anything to get their hands on it. And August has the span of one transatlantic flight to figure it out.

If he fails, those he holds most dear will die. If he succeeds, he’ll destroy a national treasure.

The clock ticks, the suspense mounts, and the body count rises as August pits his knowledge and his love for his family against the clock, secret societies, and even Johannes Gutenberg himself.

“…this rare breed of suspense thriller combines mysterious hidden clues, secret societies, buried treasure, double agents, and the Knights Templar…if you turned National Treasure into international treasure, traded DaVinci codes for Gutenberg Bibles, married it to Indiana Jones, and added the pacing of 24 you’d be in the neighborhood of Illuminated…on a scale of one to 10, this one goes to 11.”
-Aspiring Retail Magazine

Get your copy of Illuminated here!

Last night I decided to give myself a break from writing and just relax. I’ve set an insane goal of completing 4 new talks and 4 scrapbooks (for Christmas presents) in the next two months. Anyway, after my bubble bath I decided I was going to read something just for fun. I’ve already squeezed in a great fiction book for the CFBA this week and an amazing nonfiction too, but I wanted to read something of my own choosing. I have a HUGE “to read” pile.

I chose Just As I Am, which was the debut novel for my friend and critique partner, Virginia Smith. I started it at 8 last night and sometime around midnight Mike made me turn the light off. I would have moved downstairs, but I was already toasty under the covers. This morning I finished the book with my morning coffee.

Can I just say that I have the opportunity to read many fantastic books for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. I’ve even critiqued Smith’s last book there and another new one is coming down the pike soon, but this book….oh, my. It was amazing. I have never read anything like it! One of her endorsements compares it to a fiction version of Blue Like Jazz. Okay, that is the nonfiction that I read this week and I say…Amen!

Just As I Am is the book that every one IN the church needs to read. I think the more time we spend in the church, the more we all start to resemble each other. I’m writing an entire chapter about this in my Holy Enthusiasm book right now. I think we get so hung up on what we SHOULD look like as a Christian, that we leave our selves behind. We forget that God created our diversity so that when we get to heaven we are prepared for a premium assortment of people.  Remember Revelation 7:9 where it talks about “a great multitude from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues…”? I’m pretty sure that includes people with purple hair, lip labrets, nose studs, tatoos, gays, motivational speakers, moms, writers… we all have to be saved. We all have to confess and profess.

This is the message of Just As I Am. I haven’t laughed this much reading a book in a long time. In fact, Mike was laughing at me laughing. I bet Ginny had a blast writing this book! I have two friends (Sue M. and Tami R.) who are soooooooo going to be reading this book.

Go to Virginia’s website and sign up for her newsletter and then go to Amazon and buy this book! Here’s the best news…the second book in this series will be released in March of 2008. When you begin to adore Mayla Strong, you won’t have to say good-bye at the end of the book. There’s more to come with Sincerely, Mayla. I, for one, can hardly wait!!

This week was an incredibly busy week and because I was gone speaking, I asked my friend and neighbor, Patty, to please read Crimson Eve for me. Now this served two purposes. First, it bought me a little time. I could be a card carrying member of BHCC (see below) and since my days have been so busy, it would mean reading Crimson Eve at night. There’s just no way. I need to carve some time out of the daylight hours to read this book, and after getting Patty’s review, I intend to do just that!  Second, Patty is an avid reader of Christian fiction and she likes thriller/suspense. She hadn’t read Brandilyn’s books before and I knew she’d be hooked. I was right!

Patty loved this book! She shared that she couldn’t put it down and was even tempted to peek ahead to see what was coming before she started her family’s dinner. Patty liked the fact that she was on her toes with anticipation, but she wasn’t scared to death while she read the whole thing. She also really liked the message, but stressed to me that it wasn’t overt. I’ve asked for Crimson Eve back, but apparently someone else in Patty’s house has already snatched it. I guess that speaks pretty highly for the book! That’s all I can tell you for now. Read more about Brandilyn, Crimson Eve, and a very special offer below!

About the Author:

 Brandilyn Collins is a 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…® ” She’s so well known in the industry there’s actually a club for her non-readers. That’s right. The Big Honkin’ Chickens Club (BHCC) members are proud of the fact that they’re too wimpy to read Brandilyn’s intense fiction. Now and then one of them tries. Bribing works pretty well. (Just ask Deb Raney.) Somehow they live to tell the tale.

Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 17th book. Her 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.

She’s also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons), and often teaches at writers conferences. Brandilyn blogs at Forensics and Faith.

Visit her website to read the first chapters of all her books.

 About the Book:

Carla stared at the gun and David Thornby—or whatever his name was. Her mind split in two, one side pleading this was some sick joke, the other screaming it was all too real.“Please. You must have the wrong person. There’s no reason for someone to want me dead. I don’t have any enemies.”

Forced on the run, Carla must uncover the scathing secrets of her past. Secrets that could destroy some very powerful people…

Brandilyn Collins fans and reviewers are saying Crimson Eve is her best book yet:

“Collins tops herself by creating a suspenseful nonstop thrill ride … Truly the best Christian Fiction suspense title so far this year.”
– Library Journal, starred review

“Crimson Eve is Collins at her very best. It left me feeling as if I’d climbed Mount Everest without oxygen … I didn’t think Brandilyn could outdo herself after reading Coral Moon. She did.”
–TitleTrakk.com

“I’ve never edited a more tightly crafted, deftly woven, compellingly written book.” –a Crimson Eve editor, with 20 years experience

“This is your best book! I could not stop reading!” – one of many readers with similar responses

Read about Violet Dawn and Coral Moon, books one and two in the Kanner Lake series.

Order your copy of Crimson Eve here!

Do you know someone who’s never read a Brandilyn Collins novel? Surely no such person exists. However, should you scrounge up such a friend—someone who enjoys suspense—here’s a special offer from Brandilyn. Be among the first 50 people between now and October 21, 2007 to e-mail her assistant at gayle.brandilyncollins@gmail.com with the person’s name, e-mail address and street address. (Due to exorbitant overseas mailing costs, United States residents only, please).

A signed copy of Crimson Eve will be sent to your friend—free—along with an e-mail from Brandilyn announcing the book is on its way, courtesy of you. (Don’t worry. Brandilyn won’t spam these email addresses. She just wants your friend to know who to thank.) No worries that this story is third in the Kanner Lake series. Each book stands alone. Brandilyn is convinced your friend will so love Crimson Eve, he/she will surely reciprocate with expensive chocolate.

That little “Pilgrim” crack is an inside joke for the wonderful ladies from Crossroads Covenant Church in Cottage Grove, MN. I’ll post a picture later!

This weekend I had the delightful privilege of speaking for the Crossroad’s Women’s Retreat at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge near Deerwood, MN. I could share dozens of fun stories with you, but what struck me the most is the fact that for two full days we got REAL. Some of us wore slippers and sweats and others wore pilgrim costumes…er…I mean, jeans and sweaters. We peeled back the outside layers and let the Holy Spirit work on us from the inside out. As I roamed around discussion groups, after each of my talks, I heard women sharing pieces of themselves. I heard rumors of late night girl talks…some of which included dark chocolate and wine.

Often, as I load my car at the end of a retreat, I see women dragging their bags and their sleep-deprived selves to their cars, and I pray that they will all stay awake for the drive home. Not this retreat. This time I noted that most everyone was bouncing to the cars and their faces were glowing, even after a late night of karoke! (Stacy, you were the exception, I’m afraid. I hope your flu bug was only 24 hour and that you are feeling better!) I even heard that Arna’s crew was headed back to the outlet mall!  You go, girls!

I challenged the ladies to check out my blog. If you are doing that then I want to encourage you to remember these things…

*God doesn’t expect you to fly solo.

*The most important thing to remember as you begin to organize your lives, is to start your day with Jesus.

*He wants to be your BFF (Best Friend Forever).

*Sometimes it’s not your monkey.

*Who’s your Daddy?   (Sorry, Laurie…had to do it.)

Stay real, Sisters, and stay in touch!

Creston Mapes is a talented storyteller whose first two novels, Dark Star and Full Tilt, made him a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards. Creston has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries, including Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Oracle, Focus on the Family, and In Touch Ministries. Committed to his craft and his family, Creston makes his home in Georgia with his wife, Patty, and their four children.

He’s been married for twenty-one years to the girl he first loved way back in fourth grade. They have three lovely girls and a boy in a very close-knit family, spending a lot of time together – watching old classic movies, going on outings, and taking in various school and community events and activities. Creston loves to go for morning walks with his dog, read, paint watercolors, meet friends for coffee and Bible study, watch hockey, take his wife on dates, and spend time in God’s Word.

Not everything

to stay in Vegas!

They said, “He’s a nobody.”
They were dead wrong.

When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.
His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation–and perhaps a chunk of the money–into his own hands?

With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.

Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?

“Nobody was absolutely riveting from the opening scene to the final page. With compelling characters, a plot that surprised me at every turn, and a subtle, yet profound message that moved me to tears, this book goes straight to the top of my highly recommended list.”
- Deborah Raney, author of Remember to Forget and Within This Circle

“A taut, entertaining novel of mystery, intrigue, and spiritual truth. Creston Mapes delivers a winner in Nobody.”
- James Scott Bell, bestselling author of No Legal Grounds and Try Dying

“Nobody had me fascinated from the first paragraph and kept the surprises coming to the very end. Somehow, as the pages flew by, it also managed to convey a beautiful picture of faith the size of a mustard seed. From now on I’ll read anything by Creston Mapes the instant it hits the shelves.”
- Athol Dickson, Christy Award—winning author of River Rising and The Cure

This past week I’ve been doing a lot of self talk. I’ve tried to do most of it in my head, but I have no doubt that at times drivers with whom I was sharing the road were privy to a serious talkin’ to going on in my car.

Last week I faced a handful of disappointments regarding my writing path. As a result, I parked myself in the middle of my house and expected those around me to throw a pity party on my behalf. Not necessarily the best example for my children, I admit, but it felt good at the time.

On Sunday, I had the privilege of speaking at both services for a church in my hometown. It was a wonderful time and I was blessed. However, after I have the opportunity to minister to others, I find that I need to bathe in some worship of my own and get this sponge soaked again. My family had already endured two services with Mom, so I went to church alone Sunday evening. Don’t get me wrong, I love worshipping with my family, but there is something freeing about not having to manage children during the praise and worship time. I found myself with my arms outstretched, getting filled to the brim by the Holy Spirit. Ahhhhhh.

That’s when I realized it. It’s enough. What Christ has already sacrificially done for me is enough. Dying on the cross to redeem my sins….enough. Everything else is gravy. My faith, my family, my friends and home, our ministry…treasured blessings, but it’s enough.

Does that mean that I will be settling down now and just riding out the rest of my days? As if…  No, I’m going to be going and going and going…just like always, but not because I’m seeking His hand of blessing. I just want to see His face. I want to know Him more deeply and for that reason, I will continue to serve Him. Whatever He chooses to do with that, will be additional blessings, but if He chooses something different for us, that’s okay too. He’s not done with me, of that I’m certain. But, He’s already done enough.

This weekend I took time to rest, refresh, and READ! My poor husband was planning a romantic time away and I kept pulling out The Trophy Wives Club. It was kind of funny.

If you are looking for chic lit that isn’t like every other chic lit you’ve ever read, then this is the book for you. I was transported to a lifestyle with which I’m much less familiar and it was fun.

The thing I most appreciated about The Trophy Wives Club is that Billerbeck honestly shows what divorce looks like from the inside. Haley didn’t want this divorce and was committed to her marriage and her man. Nevertheless, she is unjustly judged by at least two characters (and probably several readers). As a Christian who has been divorced, I could relate to Haley’s pain. Very often Christians look down their noses at those who are divorced…judging, condemning. Oh, they know the meaning of grace, but they certainly don’t extend it.

I can’t find the quote right now, but at one point Haley says something like, “What you have had me do, slide over and welcome my husband’s girlfriend into our bed?” Like it or not, sometimes there are few options for women like Haley…like me…and as Christians we need to extend grace.

Meet the Author~

Kristin Billerbeck was born in Redwood City, California. She went to San Jose State University and majored in Advertising, then worked at the Fairmont Hotel in PR, a small ad agency as an account exec, and then,
she was thrust into the exciting world of shopping mall marketing. She got married, had four kids, and started writing romance novels until she found her passion: Chick Lit. She is a CBA bestselling author and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year. Featured in the New York Times and USA Today, Kristin has appeared on the Today Show for her pioneering role in Christian chick lit. Her last three books were:

Split Ends: Sometimes the End is Really the Beginning (April 17, 2007)

She’s Out of Control (Ashley Stockingdale Series #1) (Nov 13, 2007)

Calm, Cool & Adjusted (Spa Girls Series #3) (Oct 1, 2006)

About the Book~

Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps “was” is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty years old – back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon.

When Jay first turned his eye to Haley, she was putty in his slender, graceful hands. No one ever treated her like she was important, and on the arm of Jay Cutler, she became someone people listened to and admired. Unfortunately, after seven years of marriage, her Prince Charming seems to belong to the Henry the XIII line of royalty. When Haley loses Jay, she not only loses her husband, she loses her identity.

With her first independent decision, Haley leaves LA and moves home to Northern California. Feeling freedom just within her grasp, Haley learns that her settlement payments must go through one of Jay’s financial advisors, Hamilton Lowe. Haley believes he’s nothing more than a spy. And the feelings of distrust are mutual. Yet somehow, Hamilton finds himself handing over the monthly checks in person, and Haley can’t deny that there’s a kind of tenderness and protectiveness in Hamilton that she’s never experienced in a man before.

But before Haley can even consider another relationship, she must learn to accept her inherent worth, and what it is to be loved for who she is, not what’s on the outside.