Friday, March 31, 2017

LOVE'S ETERNAL BREATH - Naomi Rawlings - One Free Book

Welcome back, Naomi. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
Because I love being able to share my faith and God’s love in my writing. I hope my books are an encouragement for other believers.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I got married. (You can tell I’m a romance writer, can’t you?)

How has being published changed your life?
My oldest son has a lot of medical expenses, so the money I earn from my writing had gone almost exclusively to pay for that. It’s a huge blessing to be able to provide for my son’s needs without having to work outside the home.

What are you reading right now?
I just started Debra Clopton’s Windswept Bay Series.

I love her writing. What is your current work in progress?
Love’s Bright Tomorrow. It’s the sixth book in the Eagle Harbor Series, and it will probably be the last book for that series as well.

What would be your dream vacation?
Somewhere with a warm beach and no children. At this stage of my life, quiet and relaxation are more important than an actual location.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
When I first moved to the coast of Lake Superior, I was entranced by both the beauty and the danger the lake held. It was only natural for me to set a novel in this rugged location, which then turned into a series of novels. You get the idea.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
My best friend, Melissa Jagears. Because sometimes being with friends is nicer than being with strangers, no matter how famous those strangers are.

I so agree. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Hiking. I love hiking, but I don’t find the time nearly as often as I’d like.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
At the moment, finding time to write. I try to set aside certain times each day where I write and don’t let other things interfere, but sometimes life ends up happening instead.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Write every day, and study the authors whose books you love. What makes you love their writing? Figure it out and try to do the same in your own novels.

Tell us about the featured book.
Lindy Marsden once dreamed of having a husband, a house, some children, and maybe even a sewing machine. But since she grew ill five years ago, those dreams have become too much to hope for. Now she just wants to provide for herself and help the abandoned children she found living in the woods until their father returns … and avoid doctors for the rest of her life. Their medicine never leads to any good, and she has the scars to prove it.

Seth Harrington loves being a doctor, but treating patients in the small town of Eagle Harbor is nothing like working at a prestigious Boston hospital, especially with the other doctor in town trying to steal Seth's patients. When he’s called to treat a reluctant woman, Seth finds Lindy Marsden’s fiery dislike for him rather insulting. He has the ability to help her, but she wants nothing to do with him. Until she shows up on his doorstep one night ...

When the plight of a young abandoned boy brings Seth and Lindy irrevocably together, Seth finds himself in the most difficult situation of his career. His expertise can help him heal the sick, but will his love be enough to soothe Lindy’s wounded soul?

Come visit the rugged yet beautiful coast of Lake Superior and the remote historical town of Eagle Harbor that readers can’t get enough of.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Eagle Harbor, Michigan; August, 1883
“I told you not to come back.”

Lindy Marsden looked into Jenny O’Byrne’s brown eyes and attempted to scowl as fiercely as the irate woman in front of her—if Jenny could even be called a woman. Given her youthful face and unblemished skin, Jenny couldn’t be more than sixteen or seventeen.

“I brought you bread and flour, even some sourdough starter from the bakery so you can make your own bread.” Lindy would have made the words louder, her voice firmer, had she the breath to do so. But after walking two miles uphill to reach the cabin, her lungs were wound tighter than a jack-in-the-box and nearly ready to burst. She sucked in a small breath. The burning sensation would abate. Eventually. If she rested long enough.

She hoped.

She set the sack with the dough and flour on the rickety table, then straightened and held out the loaf of bread to Jenny, drawing in another small breath before she spoke. “Don’t be upset with me.”

Even with the door open, the cabin was so dim it should’ve been impossible to see Jenny’s anger. But the woman’s fiery eyes burned through the shadows nonetheless. “What part of ‘don’t come back again’ is that difficult for you to understand?”

The part that entails leaving children to starve in the woods. But if she ever hoped to return, she dare not speak the words.

I’m eager to read the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
One of my books is free right now, so if readers want to try my writing, they can grab a copy of the first book in the Eagle Harbor Series, Love’s Unfading Light.
Get your copy here:
Amazon ~.~.~ iBooks ~.~.~ Nook ~.~.~ Kobo ~.~.~ Google Play

Otherwise readers can find me on Facebook or on my website: www.naomirawlings.com. One of my favorite ways to stay in contact with readers is through my author newsletter. Those who sign up also get a free bonus novella.

Thank you, Naomi, for sharing this book with us.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Thursday, March 30, 2017

PICTURE PERFECT - Emily C Reynolds - One Free Book


Bio: I grew up in a small town in southern Maine and had a childhood that was wonderful in all the ways that matter. My parents were in fulltime Christian ministry, so we didn’t have a lot of “extras” growing up, but we saw firsthand what it means to invest in things of eternal significance. I’m so grateful that God gave me humble, loving, self-sacrificing parents who taught us to love God and put Him first, above all else.

I graduated from Gordon College in Massachusetts with degrees in English Language and Literature as well as Biblical Studies. I’ve earned my living as a professional wedding photographer, high school English teacher, newspaper copy editor, piano teacher, and women’s self-defense instructor.

And now I can officially add author to that list! My first book, Picture Perfect, released March 2 from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. A dream come true!

The best thing that ever happened to me was walking into a coffee shop one morning and walking out, leaving my heart with the fine-looking barrista working behind the counter. My husband Jason is the inspiration for my storybook heroes and my biggest cheerleader on this writing journey. We are blessed with a teenage son, two cats, and a dog named Boomer.

Welcome, Emily. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
A ton! So many people give writers the advice “write what you know,” and I think it’s natural for our passions to flow into our stories in some form or another.

A perfect example in Picture Perfect is the scenes relating to martial arts. Micah, the hero in the story, practices jujitsu. Lily, the heroine, studies boxing. One of the underlying currents of the story is the concept of self-defense and safety.

Having grown up in a Christian “bubble,” as a teen I was anxious about leaving for college. It didn’t help that the first college I attended was on the outskirts of New York City. The summer before freshman year, I asked a family friend (a police detective) if he would teach me self-defense. We got together and he showed me a few tactics, but I remember at the end of the evening feeling more worried, because as he showed me scenarios, my mind started to run. I realized how little I knew, and how many different ways a person could attack another person. (To be clear, it wasn’t his fault. He taught me simple techniques to use in an emergency. In retrospect, what I wanted was training and that’s not something that happens in one night!)

In college, I took an 8-week course that was an intro to martial arts. Again, nothing wrong with the instructor or the class. But it was about precision of strikes, blocks, and kicks, and step-by-step attack/defense sequences. It was not “down and dirty” self-defense. (It wasn’t designed to be, but in my ignorance, I equated “martial arts” with “women’s self-defense” and left feeling frustrated and vulnerable.)

Fast forward a few years. Not long after meeting my husband, I learned he studied jujitsu (a soft-style martial art). He asked if I wanted to learn. I said no. I wasn’t interested in jujitsu. I wanted to learn self-defense. So he invited me to meet his instructor, who was excited to teach me techniques geared for women. I started coming early, before jujitsu class, to learn. I learned about women’s areas of strength, awareness and alertness, and the physics of the human body. I practiced palm strikes and knees to the groin until I developed muscle memory and instinct and earned the nickname “Lethal Knees.”

Then my session would end, and jujitsu class would begin. It didn’t take long before I was joining them on the mat. J

I love teaching self-defense because I've seen wonderful things happen when a woman learns she really can protect herself physically. We have a vested interest in our physical and sexual safety and should not leave it up to chance or assume it's someone else's responsibility.

Learning self-defense helps develop confidence, which has far-reaching effects—women discover inner strengths they never knew they had and become "stronger" on different playing fields of life, whether it be work, relationships, communication, setting boundaries, the list goes on.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Tried to put diesel in my Nissan Sentra. The nozzle didn’t fit (of course) and I got frustrated. I tried dribbling fuel into the reservoir, and the guy in the gas station gave me a weird look. I dribbled about 17 cents worth in the tank before I gave up, all huffy about “this stupid gas station,” and went in to pay. Except I’d forgotten my wallet. The gas station attendant was not impressed. 

When did you first discover you were a writer?
I’ve always loved reading but never thought I’d be able to write a whole story. That sounded daunting. I wrote a short story in high school and poetry in college, but that was it until about seven years ago when I started a story. Then I realized I needed to learn the craft and mechanics of story-building, so I joined American Christian Fiction Writers. I got connected to other writers, critique groups, and a storehouse of publishing information that I soaked up, realizing how little I really knew!

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read everything except Sci-Fi, and I haven’t read much fantasy. I grew up devouring every mystery I could find and still love everything from cozies to political thrillers. In high school, it was Russian lit, where I learned about symbolism and first discovered the power of using words to show rather than tell. In college, it was every other lit—Irish, British, women’s… Now I read a good deal of Christian publishing, and again it’s a wide range. If it’s good writing, count me in!

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
The easiest escape is to tie on my sneakers and take my dog Boomer for a run through the nearby trails. It clears my head, releases stresses, and puts me in a good mood. I also have several hobbies, so when I start getting “burned out” with one, I shift attention to something else for a while—piano, photography, writing. Housework hasn’t managed to find its way on the list. ;)

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I choose names randomly, often from people I know or names I like. But when I choose a name of someone I know, the personality and physical description don’t come along for the ride. It’s just the name.

As my characters develop, they become very real to me. Probably too real. While I was writing Picture Perfect, one of the funniest things occurred one morning during my devotions. I use index cards to list prayer requests, friends’ names, or praises. Flipping through cards helps me stay focused when I’m praying, because my mind often wanders.

Well, I’d been working the night before on some scenes where Lily was feeling defensive and bitter toward Micah. The next morning as I pulled out my prayer cards and settled in, I started with couples on my prayer list, saying their names and praying for specific needs. “Lord, please be with Sarah and Shawn and their financial need… Please be with Mary and Aaron that they’d grow closer to you, that their marriage would be strong… And, Lord, please help Lily forgive Micah for the grudge she’s harboring, and help Micah as—”

And I burst out laughing. I’d just prayed for my imaginary characters.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Well, it’s not something I can take credit for. Nine years ago we adopted a four-year-old boy from China. It was the biggest unknown we’d ever faced. It was frightening and daunting, but amid all the questions was an overriding peace. It was in God’s hands. True, there was no way to know the outcome. Every step was faith.

During the adoption journey, I read Zech 4:10 and wrote this on our blog: Our job is to take that first step and let God do His part by seeing us through. We're learning that we can't leap ahead and plan it all NOW. God meets us one step at a time.

When people hear about us adopting they often say, “Wow! He is so blessed!” And we shake our heads and smile, because inside we know we’re the ones who are so blessed.

I love this quote from The Voice of Adventure in which Max Lucado says, “There is a rawness and a wonder to life. Pursue it. Hunt for it. Sell out to get it. Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry and safe. Or you can hear the voice of adventure—God’s adventure … Follow God’s impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Don’t listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won’t feel guilty. Your goal is not to live long; it’s to live. Sure it isn’t safe, but what is?”

What is your favorite food?    
Sushi!

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge on my path to publication was twofold—not giving up and, well, not giving up. By that I mean not giving up on the dream of one day seeing my book in print, but also not giving up the fun of writing. Don’t let anyone fool you. Writing is hard. Many people don’t realize the years of labor involved. I had no idea what I was doing when I first started writing, so Picture Perfect got completely revamped multiple times. Was it hard? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes! I loved learning how to plot a good story, and I absolutely love the result. But it took seven years to get to this point.

I also had to learn to accept who I am as an author. I’m not a particularly fast writer. The story doesn’t unfold in a straightforward manner for me. I’m much more seat-of-the-pants than plotter. So I have to constantly remind myself that it’s okay that the course is not charted; that’s part of the fun for me (I get to be surprised when a character says or does something). Only it’s not always fun! Sometimes it’s downright awful. It means the story doesn’t journey in a straight line from start to finish. There will be detours and dead ends and “wasted” time. But that’s just how it works for me. I can choose to get frustrated and think I’m less of a “real writer” because of it, or I can choose to accept that it’s just one of the weird ways I work.

Tell us about the featured book.
Picture Perfect is a light-hearted, hope-filled humorous romance. In this story, a photographer and a martial artist partnered for swing dance lessons also become unknowingly pitted against each other in a real estate tug-of-war. As romance heats up, secrets from the past close in. Agendas collide, and when the truth comes out, one wrong move could trip them up for good. 

Here’s the back cover copy:
Professional photographer Lily Caswell has one goal in mind—opening her own photography studio in her charming New England town. Too many months of working odd jobs has taken its toll, and Lily is determined to earn the coveted studio space in the heart of the downtown district. With the help of her friends and support of her church community, Lily sets out to make her dreams of Picture Perfect come true.

Micah Wyland is used to taking punches—just not in the usual way. He returns to his hometown with the intention of opening his own martial arts studio, but putting his past behind him proves harder than anticipated when Lily Caswell comes back into his life.

When they get thrown together for swing dance lessons, romance heats up on—and off—the dance floor. As Lily gets to know Micah, she believes he’s changed. But forgetting the past isn’t easy, especially when she discovers they’ve both set their sights on the same piece of real estate. And a dark secret from Micah’s past is quickly catching up ...

Please give us the first page of the book.
The critter had gulped its last breath in church, surrounded by coffee and donuts.

Not a bad way to go.

Lily Caswell stood in the muggy fellowship hall and stared into the wastebasket, frowning at the bat. It lay squashed between a chocolate glazed donut and a half-eaten bagel, its delicate webbed toes curled around a Styrofoam cup from Sunday’s fellowship time.

When had pest control become part of her job description as part-time janitor?

She bent closer and scrunched her nose. Gross. Hitching a shoulder to catch the sweat trickling down the side of her face, she contemplated the not-so-dearly departed.

You can do this. Tip the canister and dump everything into the plastic bag. Lily screwed her eyes closed. Despite the June heat, she shivered. Then she straightened her shoulders. It’s not hard. Come on.

She grabbed the wastebasket, keeping it at arm’s length, and upended it.

The dead thing moved.

But it didn’t slide into the bag with the rest of the trash. Defying gravity, the creature bolted straight for her face.

Lily’s scalp prickled. She shrieked and ducked, covering her head. Blood pounded up her neck, filling her ears with a whooshing noise. Almost as quickly, the roar in her ears faded, and she heard only her fast breathing.

And a few final thip-thip-thips as the bat flapped away.

Then blessed silence.

Except for the random creak from the back corner as a floorboard or joist in the ancient building settled. After several years, she should be used to hearing sounds she couldn’t trace, but at times, especially as light began to fade, being alone here still creeped her out.

Lily peeked between her crossed arms. The furry brown thing had folded itself into a corner of the rafters and nestled in.

Ugh. She stood, knees spongy, then grabbed the vacuum and fled. She backed out of the room and slammed the door. She tried to scratch away the prickly feeling on the back of her neck. But being alone in a 200-year-old New England church amplified the spook factor, especially with creepy little heavenly hosts flapping around, the echo of batwings still reverberating in the silence.



I love your writing style. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to connect with readers! Find me on Facebook under Emily C Reynolds or at my web site. My web site is: www.emilycreynolds.com


Picture Perfect is also available through Lighthouse Publishing here:

Readers leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

THE FABRIC OF HOPE - Susan G Mathis - One Free Book

Welcome, Susan. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
My goodness! The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is based on my family story—my great great grandmother, Margaret, and loosely based on my story as well. The hardest part about writing Maggie’s story was not holding too closely to my story!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
When I went to Ireland last year, I took a “Flat Sally” (sister to Flat Stanley) with me. I took photos with her and made a storybook for my grandgirls about my trip—and wrote it completely in limerick!

When did you first discover you were a writer?
My mother quips that I started my writing career when I signed my crayon drawings—on the foyer wall—with a great big “S”! Though I’m not sure that was the start I wanted, I can’t remember not writing.

My journey has been multi-faceted. I’ve taught Language Arts for nine years to 4-8 graders, had my own newspaper column, written missions curriculum, and have written just about anything God put in my path. As a Tyndale published author of two premarital books—The ReMarriage Adventure and Countdown for Couples, two children’s picture books—Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure—and now a debut novelist—The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy—my writing journey has been a diverse one.

I’m also published in several compilations as well as working as a freelance writer and editor, a writing coach, and a speaker, I’m simply passionate about working with words. And as the Former Editorial Director at Focus on the Family of 12 unique publications and Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine, I’ve done a lot of writing. It’s been a really fun journey!

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I enjoy reading everything from children’s picture books to nonfiction to contemporary and historical fiction. But if I had to choose, I’d settle in with Christian historical fiction.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
It may sound like a pat answer, but taking time to pray, read the word, and worship keep me in balance. I especially enjoy worship music while doing mindless work such as cooking, cleaning, driving, etc.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
The historical characters are the actual names of my ancestors. But the contemporary characters evolved during my writing process, and we have become good friends!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Although I am so humbled to have accomplished such diverse published works, I’m most thrilled to have my family legacy in print. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy has been a work of the heart, mind, and emotions.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
A butterfly. Because I’d experience the miracle of changing from a caterpillar to a free and beautiful butterfly and flit around my world, dancing on flowers and bringing joy to all who see.

What is your favorite food?
Being Irish, I consider tea as my comfort drink, and with it, the Irish Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake sounds really good right now.  

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Switching from nonfiction to fiction was a steep learning curve. Coming from the succinct world of journalism and editing, spilling lots of description to “show vs tell” was my biggest challenge. But once I “got it,” I was a bird set free!

Tell us about the featured book.
The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is a story of an 1850s Irish immigrant and a 21st-century single mother are connected by faith, family, and a quilt. After struggling to accept the changes forced upon her, Margaret Hawkins and her family take a perilous journey on an 1851 immigrant ship to the New World, bringing with her an Irish family quilt she is making. A hundred and sixty years later, her great granddaughter, Maggie, searches for the family quilt after her ex pawns it. But on their way to creating a family legacy, will these women find peace with the past and embrace hope for the future, or will they be imprisoned by fear and faithlessness?

Please give us the first page of the book.
September 1850
Hilltown, Northern Ireland
“No! I cannot take me family on a coffin ship!” Margaret Hawkins shook her head as she spoke her thoughts aloud to her eight-month-old baby. The drooling baby girl sat on the dirt floor, playing with a wooden spoon, unconcerned with her mum’s words. Margaret stabbed her needle into the quilt on her lap. “How could Father even suggest such a thing? Half the poor Irish people don’t even survive the trip to the New World. No!”

Margaret glanced down at baby Meg and tried to dismiss the unpleasant thoughts racing through her head. She felt much older than her thirty-two years and weary of all the troubles.

She resumed her work, holding up the partially finished quilt to survey the stitching before setting it back on her lap. She took off her spectacles and rubbed her aching eyes, but she was grateful to finally have a few moments to add a piece of her mum’s favorite dress to the quilt. Maybe she would get one of Father’s old shirts to add to it, too.

By the dim morning light of the calfskin-covered window, she sewed. From where she sat, she turned her ear toward the sounds of four of her six children, squealing and playing tag outside in the yard. She chuckled as she heard Susan, her eldest daughter, bossing the others around, as usual.

What a brood they be. Growing up too fast, that they are. I shall add a patch of cloth for each of them, and one day this quilt will tell our family history. Before it be done, it will be filled with fabrics from many of our dear family members who are now here, already in heaven, and one day, heaven bound.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers, here are links to the book.
The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy - paperback
The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Sunday, March 26, 2017

WINNERS!!!!

Barbara (LA) is the winner of A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot.

Kathy E (DE) is the winner of Home at Last by Deborah Raney.

Amanda J (FL) is the winner of Doctor's Dilemma by Richard Mabry, MD.

Carolyn (MN) is the winner of Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. 

Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations
, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.


If you won an ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.

When you contact me, please give the title and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.


Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

MOVIE: THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE preview with a movie gift card giveway

Dear Readers, I’m excited to share a preview of a movie that will release very soon. The Zookeeper’s Wife starring Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, The Help) and Daniel Brühl (Captain America: Civil War).

Based on a true story, The Zookeeper’s Wife portrays Antonina and Jan Å»abiÅ„ski, a Christian couple and zookeepers in Warsaw, Poland. The film is a testament to the power of compassion, faith, and courage within us all.

The film focuses on courage and doing what is right in the face of danger. The true story also shows us an incredibly strong protagonist that Jessica Chastain portrays. Tell us about a courageous woman in your life who faced obstacles and found a way to overcome them. How has she helped and inspired you rise above and tackle some of life’s hardest issues.



THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE - Synopsis
In 1939 Poland, Antonina Żabińska and her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under his stewardship and her care.

When their country is invaded by the Germans, Jan and Antonina are stunned and forced to report to the Reich's newly appointed chief zoologist.

To fight back on their own terms, the Żabińskis covertly begin working with the Resistance and put into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and even her children at great risk.

Please leave a comment to be in the drawing for a $25 Fandango gift card so you can see the movie free when it comes to your area.

Friday, March 24, 2017

ONE LINERS FROM GOD - Patsy Moore - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Patsy is in a Ladies’ Life Group that I visited earlier this year. When I found out about her book, it really caught my interest. I knew I had to tell y’all about it.

Welcome, Patsy. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?
I love to have fun, play games, eat good food, spend time with family and friends, and team up with God.

Tell us about your family.
I met my husband, Mike, when I was attending college at Tulane University. We’ve been married for 46 years now—hard to believer—and have three amazing children. When my children married, our family expanded to 6 children, because I consider my new in-law children to be as amazing as my biological ones. We have 6 grandchildren—2 boys and 4 girls. With the oldest being 7, they are truly inspiring, unique, and challenging!

Have you written other nonfiction books?
No. This is the maiden voyage.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?
I’m thinking about it. God continues to give me these one-liners, and so far I’ve compiled almost enough for another book. I am very open to the idea of another book and to blogging.

Good. What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?
I love to landscape, remodel, build, decorate, cook, and travel.

Why did you write the featured book?
Well, Lena, I never set out to be a writer. I was an art major and then got my Masters in education administration. Life brings challenges, and I was desperate for answers. I didn’t have to be a brain surgeon to realize that God knew more than I did, and He had all the answers, so I started asking Him questions. My Mom always encouraged me and my siblings to ask questions and to speak up. Well, I started getting these one-liners because I guess God knows that I’m a bullet-type of person—a bottom-liner. With these revelations from God, my life changed and became rich and full. As I would share them with others, I would always see their eyes light up, and then their lives started to change for the better. I got a lot of encouragement from friends who kept telling me that I needed to write these in a book. I knew that I needed to share them with a larger audience, and voila! The book!

God will use other people to nudge us to do what He wants us to. What do you want the reader to take away from the book?
 I want them to know how personal God is, and how much He loves each and every one of us. He wants to be our friend, to talk with us and us with Him, to walk with us through life, to give us peace and joy, purpose and destiny. These One Liners from God helped me in that process and on my journey. I know they can help others in their process and on their journey.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?
Yes, read the book and reread it. I find that over and over again, the truths that God gave me brought about personal transformation, more than just more information. I know that by becoming more and more familiar with the profound simplicity of what God shared with me, our emotions will begin to default to the truth that’s in our heads.

Please give us the first page or two from the book.
Employment with Benefits

Times were tough for our family of 5 in the 1980’s. We not only didn’t have an abundance of money, but we were in a cash flow crunch as well. I remember having to put two weekly paychecks together to make our house payment of approximately $425.00. The $300.00 my husband brought home every Friday was his gross salary. No income taxes and no social security were deducted. During the week (from one Friday to the next Friday) we could spend no money other than use our gas credit card if we needed to fill up the cars. Health insurance? What was health insurance? We didn’t even know we needed health insurance!

It seemed that there was always something that the kids just wanted to get when we went out shopping. I remember dreading the inevitable “lane of death.” That would be the section of the grocery store that surrounds you and pulls the very life out of mothers as they wait in line to check out. The zone where the imaginations of children run wild with the expected tastes of candy, the latest cheap toy that falls apart when you look at it, and the pencils and pens with “Cinderella, Bugs Bunny, or The Incredible Hulk” on top, all brightly colored and embellished with feathers and “gems.” I would always tell them that we “couldn’t afford it.” To sum it up, I had a fear of lack, and I was afraid to dole out one penny that we didn’t need to spend.

Years dragged on with not a lot of change in sight. Thank God that my husband was the one who decided to faithfully tithe. We held onto the fact of “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:37-39). We may not have had carpet in our house for awhile, but all the kids in the neighborhood enjoyed skating on our cement floors, and we never missed a meal or a mortgage payment. God was faithful, but the true sense of God’s richness and prosperity I had not yet experienced.

The Lord in His wisdom began to show me that my fear of lack was like a net that caught the blessings that were continually coming from heaven, to be diverted from me. He also began to show me that it was the Provider, and not the provision that was important, and as the years went by, there was a change in my life from knowing “about God” to really beginning to know Him as a person and my best friend. My focus became one of connection with Him instead of the manifestation of His provision. I started to diligently seek to be one with the Lord and to live in the moment with Him.

Over time things began to change. Our marriage began to be enriched, our children began to get established in their lives and their own relationships with God, and the monetary provision just kind of crept in on the coattails. It was through experiencing God Himself that our lives became rich in all areas. After all, where God is, there will also be the true riches of life which are embodied in Christ (Ephesians 3:8).

And so I found myself driving back home from Houston after helping a dear friend with her daughter’s wedding. I didn’t just think it would be nice to help; I was compelled to make the trip to assist her. I knew that’s where God was, and what He was doing. We (God and I) were one in this—a team so to speak. Noticing that I was low on gas, I pulled into the service station and prepared to fill the tank. As I swiped the credit card at the pump not thinking about the money that it took to make the purchase, I remembered the times that we could barely make ends meet monetarily. At that moment I was so overwhelmed with the goodness of God, and His faithfulness, for He had indeed blessed us beyond measure.

“Oh Lord,” I said, “thank you so much for providing the money for the gas so that I could make this trip to help with the wedding!”

 Immediately I heard this response,

“I always pay my employees’ expenses!”

I love that, Patsy. Where on the Internet can the readers find you?
They can find me at http://patsymathieumoore.com/

Thank you, Patsy, for sharing this with us. I’m looking forward to reading the whole book. I have it, but I’ve had a couple of really busy weeks. Things are settling down now, and I’ll start it tomorrow.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
One Liners From God: Almighty Quips that Changed My Life One Liners From God: Almighty Quips that Changed My Life


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

A ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROMANCE - Misty M Beller - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Bio: Misty M. Beller writes Christian historical romance and is the author of the bestselling Mountain Dreams Series and the Texas Rancher Trilogy.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. While she was growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty's heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God's abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.

Welcome back, Misty. Tell us about your salvation experience.
I still remember it clearly, although I was only four years old at the time. I’d been watching a children’s show called Gospel Bill about a Christian cowboy. At the end of the show, he talked about how to invite Jesus in your heart and led viewers in a prayer. I was raised in a Christian family, so the concept of Jesus living in your heart wasn’t new to me, but I remember praying that prayer. Afterward, the first person I told was my grandmother, and she still remains as one of the most godly influences on my life.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?
That’s a tough one! I’d be torn between spending time with my author “heroes,” and inviting dear writer friends and critique partners to join in the special time. Are you sure I can’t invite more than four? J

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.
I don’t consider it as formal as the term Speaking Ministry, but I do speak occasionally to audiences. Sometimes at book signings or church events, and I usually teach at book conferences several times per year. As nervous as this introverted writer gets at the thought of being in front of a crowd, I love the opportunity to connect with fellow writers and book lovers! And if I can share something that will bring value to someone else, it’s all worth it!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?
Oh, no! I tend to try to block out the more painfully embarrassing moments, so nothing springs immediately to mind. In general, when I humiliate myself at any level, I apologize, turn beet red, and retreat as quickly as possible!

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?
Don’t wait! It will always be a dream until you take that first step. When you’re ready, get books on writing craft from the library and dive in. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell is an excellent choice! Find a writer’s group to join—either online or in person. You’ll learn so much from seasoned authors and having the support of writers who ‘understand’ will be invaluable through your journey. And most of all, pray for God’s guidance and blessing on each word!

Tell us about the featured book.
I’d love to! This is the second book in the Wyoming Mountain Tales series.

The Wyoming mountain country seems like the perfect place for Zeche Reid to find himself. When a blizzard sends him scrambling for cover, he stumbles upon a lady and her professor father holed up in a remote cabin. His protective instincts won't let him desert them to continue his travels, especially when the father’s haunting memories from the War of Secession put his daughter’s safety at risk.

Fighting her own nightmares after the war, Greta Michelly is trying to settle into this rugged mountain land, but her bad memories are nothing compared to the demons that haunt her father. The haven they’ve found in these Rocky Mountains seems to be the solace he needs to find peace—until a mysterious sojourner appears on their cabin doorstep. She can’t help but be drawn to the wild aura that surrounds the man, but that strength seems to be that very thing that intensifies her father’s struggles.

As Zeche is torn between his craving to protect Gretta and the awful realization that he’s the one putting her in more danger, he’s forced to make a difficult choice. But when a run-in with an elk changes his plans and Gretta is faced with a danger Zeche is powerless to control, Zeche has to find a way to protect her at any cost. Even at the cost of his heart. 

I’m intrigued. Please give us the first page of the book.
Near South Pass City, Wyoming Territory
October, 1866
This storm had the power to ruin his journey.

The ashen snow clouds hung thick in the sky, which meant Zeche Reid wouldn’t have much time before the blizzard hit. Icy dampness seemed to hover in the air as it captured his breath, and even his exhales hung like leaden clouds, harbingers of the coming threat. Chipmunks had been scurrying all morning, hopping from pine to spruce to cedar, searching for the last remaining acorns. All the signs bespoke snow. A lot of it.

He stared out across the rocky peaks of the Wyoming mountains. Snow blanketed most of the pinnacles, but others stored the white only in nooks and crags. In the valley beneath him, patches of brown grass peeked out from the frozen covering. The plants would be buried soon enough.
Which meant he needed to find a place to hole up.

He'd been hoping for a cave, but he may have to settle for that rock overhang just visible on the side of the mountain opposite him. Nudging Biscuit forward, he shifted with the gelding’s unsteady gait as they maneuvered the winding deer trail around the rocky cliff side. A lone flake almost the size of his thumbprint drifted down in front of them.

He’d covered a lot of ground these past weeks since leaving the icy chill of the Sweetwater River. But there was still so much to see and explore in these mountains. Now that his sister, Mara, and her husband had taken on most of the horses and training from their family ranch, he no longer bore that responsibility. And his youngest brother, Ezra, could handle the stage stop on his own, especially as things slowed down through the winter months.

There was almost nothing holding Zeche back. No one who needed him.

The chance he’d been waiting for had finally come. An opportunity to strike out on his own and explore as far into these Rocky Mountains as he and Biscuit could go before spring. Unfortunately, the going had proved slower than he’d expected, especially with several snowfalls making the trails slick. But slower travel gave him more time to take in the views. More time for the majesty of this mountain wilderness to sneak into his chest and take hold.

New snowflakes followed the first, falling in steady procession as he rounded the crest of the mountain and the trail descended more steeply. Something below caught his eye, and he reined in.

A cabin.

With smoke curling from a rock chimney attached to the side of the wooden structure, it looked as out of place in this desolate land as a glass storefront. Yet, the structure seemed to snuggle into the trees around it as if it had always been there.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to connect at my website, FacebookGoodreadsTwitter, Bookbub, and Pinterest.

Book links:
·       Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQYOL58


GIVEAWAY:
                                           


Enter to win Misty Beller’s readers-only gift basket! This book end chest is filled with sweet treats and coffee, perfect for reading time. The chest is filled with …
·       Cashew Roca Toffee chocolates
·       Chamberry Raspberry Truffles
·       Chocolate Covered Almonds
·       Java Bon Coffee Caramels
·       3 Assorted gourmet coffee's
·       2 Fudge Brownies
·       $15 Barnes and Noble gift card


Enter below!


Thank you, Misty, for sharing this new book with me and my readers. You know I’ve loved every one of your books that I’ve read, and I’ve only missed one or two.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book  on this blog. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: