THE SILENCED CHRISTIAN WIFE - J A Marx - One Free Book

Welcome back, J A. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

 Thank you for having me on your blog, Lena. It’s such an honor.

Does it sound hokey to say I live to please my Father in Heaven? It’s true, I am so in love with Jesus. I’m also a freelance editor, writing mentor, and multi-published author. I’ve spent over two decades in Christian ministry, church leadership, and mentoring, which has given me a desire to see people come into freedom in Jesus Christ. As an editor/mentor, my motto is Equipping readers one book at a time.

 

Tell us about your family.

I am blessed with two grown children, a brilliant daughter-in-love, and four grandchildren—the loves of my life. The two oldest grands are finally at the age where I can take them out on dates. Look out world!

 

Have you written other nonfiction books?

No, only fiction. But the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) has published a basketful of my devotions/articles, under J.A. Marx.

 

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

I’ve started a devotional type of book to go with Silenced Wives. It’s definitely a lot easier to write, I just need to make time to complete it.

 

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

Hiking/walking, Zumba, and painting. I try to visit the Colorado Rockies once a year to hike and nourish my soul.

 

Why did you write The Silenced Christian Wife?

This was definitely a love-hate project. I hate that there are other women in our churches who feel like they’re alone and trapped in their toxic situation. But I love that God is using this book to be a voice for the silenced wife and a source of empowerment to help them navigate the darkness they encounter daily. The emotional bruising these wives experience usually leaves them feeling like they’re crazy, yet there’s no physical proof to back them up. So outsiders are fooled into believing the marriage is “great,” while the Silenced Wife dwindles into a mere shell of a person. My heart aches to see these women healed, set free, and restored on every level. God did it for me; He will do it for them. 

 

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I want women to know who they are in Christ and to be empowered to thrive in that genuine identity until God either heals their husband and restores the marriage or until He delivers them from their situation. The book is also rich with scripture, which I believe is the foundation for every part of life—self, mental health, marriage, etc.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?

The book offers multiple accounts of silenced wives, stories that are raw and deep. I’ve lived through what these women are currently experiencing, so I’m able to offer intimate insight that resonates with their hearts. And I couldn’t have written this book without the other brave women who’ve also contributed their stories that either encourage or empower the reader.

 

Please give us the first page or two from the book. 

Chapter One

The Virus

Subtle: difficult to perceive, cunning, crafty, insidious in operation.

“What a happy couple you are.”

Their innocent statement makes you want to scream. Instead, you smile graciously.

Happy—that used to be real. A beautiful togetherness.

Today, “happy” is a façade. You alone recognize the hypocrisy. And you hate it.

To speak out would invite the same subtle rebuke: “Seriously. You still don’t know how good you’ve got it?”

Verbal daggers pierce your sanity. How many more stabs can your heart take?

There are no bruises. Not on the outside, anyway. But your soul has been hemorrhaging … for years.

You alone feel the insult in his gaze. “See, baby? Other women envy you.”

They envy a fool’s paradise.

You open your mouth to explain what torments you. Nothing comes out.

Gagged, by subtle intimidation. Finding your own words is like grasping the wind.

You push through the pain. Go along with his show.

After each performance, another part of you dies.

Silenced. Buried alive, piece by piece, under the weight of veiled oppression.

But God…

The Silenced Christian Wife does not tackle basic communication problems or misunderstanding each other’s personality. This is not a book for those dealing with matters such as impotency or the empty-nest syndrome. This is not dedicated to overcoming a typical affair—although this sin is tragically common in the church today, and some of this content will be helpful for that issue. Nor is this book for couples who simply need a marriage refresher or a time away just to focus on your relationship, to work through anger and forgiveness, and to rebuild intimacy.

None of that. Instead…

The Silenced Christian Wife strikes at the insidious issues that are deeper and harder to identify, thus more difficult to deal with.

Insidious: operating or proceeding in a seemingly harmless way but actually with grave or deadly effect.

Essentially, you started out equally yoked. But after an elusive trail of Judas dialogue and tricks, you and your husband are seemingly no longer on the “equal” scale. While not every woman reading this book is fighting the exact same issue in her marital crisis, the issues do fall under the same category: difficult to detect, including deviant behavior.

Place a check mark by any of the following descriptions that express what you have been afraid to say out loud.

• The intimidation of a master manipulator is sabotaging my home.
• Passive-aggressive anger and oppression now happening was not detectable in our early years.
• The term narcissism occupies the forefront of my mind, but I dare not speak up.
• He controls all the money and judges my use of it.
• I’m only one of his two wives living under our roof (not Mormon).
• Gender identity is a sensitive topic, and my views are shunned.
• He expresses an interest in other men, and this scares me.
• I’m witnessing a rise in deviant sexual activity.
• He likes lipstick and fishnet—on himself.
• My children always believe him but never believe me.
• Extended family pities him, blaming me for all our struggles.

The above list portrays just a few symptoms of the Virus, which I will soon define. Although your spouse might not physically hit you, the internal injuries caused by his words and activities are extensive and real. A yoyo on a string best describes your relationship, and the loop is around your husband’s finger.

In fact, you might be strongly thinking about leaving the relationship, except (place check marks again):

• You are a Christian and you passionately believe marriage is a vow until death separates you. You are faithful. You are determined to keep your vow.
• You firmly believe God is more powerful than your problems and can heal the worst of marriages.
• You have been told divorce is a sin, and you fear being excommunicated.
• This book is your last-push attempt to make the relationship work.
• Fear. You feel trapped physically or financially, with no place to go.

Today, you desperately need someone to understand you, to hear your cry, and to assure you that you are not alone.

If this resonates with your heart, then I am glad you are here. Keep reading. I (J.A.) understand you. My prayer is that God will use the message in The Silenced Christian Wife to bring assurance that you are not alone, nor have you been forsaken, and God has a great plan for your life right now. Yes, the Lord is far mightier than your problems. Trust His ability to help you rise above the Virus.

 

Thank you, J A, for allowing me to share your book on my blog. I pray it will bless women everywhere who are going through this kind of problem in their marriages.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

Website www.jamarx.net

email info@jamarx.net

 

Readers, here are links to the book.

https://amzn.to/3jyyabD

https://amzn.to/36N7VLl 

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, 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:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

FAMILY LIES, DEADLY TIES - J A Marx - One Free Book

Dear Readers, J. A. is a member of the critique group that meets in my home. She’s a co-host with me. When I can’t host, the group meets at her house. We also go to the same church, so we’re good friends. We critiqued this book in our group, and it’s wonderful. She writes suspense. This is her first romantic suspense, and it’s very good. Strong characters and lots of surprises. Just the kind of suspense book I like. You won’t want to miss it.

Welcome back, J. A. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Thanks for having me on your blog, Lena. It’s always a pleasure to work with you.

I’m grateful to be in a season of redemption right now. Part of this requires me cut back and allow the Holy Spirit to rewire all areas of my life. The process has slowed my writing down, but in a good way. So what awaits me on the horizon is bit of a mystery. At the same time, I know He plans to prosper me (Jeremiah 29) and He has only good things in store. I’ll keep you posted.

Tell us a little about your family.

I love family! I have two grown children, one daughter-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren. And I guess I should mention the two grand-dogs and a grand-cat. We all live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, so we see each other often.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Oh, yes. First, it’s hard not to mentally edit any book as I read, “Ugh. They put ‘where’ and ‘at’ in the same sentence!” Second, I love reading what I enjoy writing. I glean from other authors in my genre; their style and voice inspire me.

What are you working on right now?

Currently, I’m working on a presentation for a writing workshop in July. On the side, I’m putting together a non-fiction work that I hope will touch the lives of women (and men?) in emotionally abusive situations. My heart has broken over this area of oppression, so I’m gathering true life stories and doing a ton of research. I also have a blog with weekly posts that often blossom out of the deep healing God is walking me through.

What outside interests do you have?

Great question, Lena. I’m into fitness, and I’m slowly getting back into nutrition. I also love to paint (acrylic), which I consider both worship and therapy. Someday, I hope to get back into dancing.

How do you choose your settings for each book? By the way, I love the setting for this novel.

Setting is one thing I have to develop from the onset, or at least within the first couple of chapters. I aim to create a setting that will double as a character in the story. I design it so the human characters must interact with it. Will it be hostile? Cozy? Mysterious? Unsettling? This all makes a difference to me in how I carry out a plot.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Elijah, the biblical prophet. He strikes me as transparent and emotional. I can relate to him—at least I think I can. Mostly, I’m fascinated by him and all he did serving the Lord.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I wish I had known how key a Moral Premise is to a story. Having the same vice and virtue working consistently in each character makes a story cohesive and helps the reader engage. Learning this has completely altered my writing.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

God has me going at a slow place (slow to me because I was trapped in a mach-10-pace lifestyle until recently). Rest is beautiful. Worshiping without restraint is life-changing. He is revealing more of who He is and that is helping me discover who I truly am in Him.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Study the craft well, and don’t try to publish until your talent/skill has been confirmed by others in the industry. Get in a critique group and develop a thick skin. Don’t stop writing.

Tell us about the featured book.

Rylee Shepherd’s background is everything but enviable, and her time as a nanny in Hawaii is ticking away. God, however, is teaching her to live by grace, not by works. She overcomes false beliefs about herself and her past. The twins she nannies, who are raised on heavy doses of Disney, are hard not to fall in love with.

Her boss’s estranged son, Noah Logun, lives with his gracious pastors who are helping train him how to fight a spiritual war according to his faith in Christ. Noah desires to acquire “the eyes of Elisha” (2 Kings 16) and overcome his history as “the loser.”

Will Rylee and Noah discover the truths that will help them win the biggest battle of their lives? Can they do this before felons Lizard and “Kojak” execute their wicked plan?

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

Will they find me here? The odds were not in Rylee Shepherd’s favor. Moving halfway across the Pacific Ocean was the bravest decision she had ever made but maybe not the smartest.

Rylee tugged the crumpled, washed-out piece of paper out of the pocket of her shorts, which she’d accidentally laundered along with her clothes a couple days ago. She’d kept the ad for this nanny position handy in case she had trouble finding her new boss after landing in Hawaii. The ad described the Kauai residence as a beach house, and at first read, she had pictured a peaceful, modest bungalow.

Standing alone in the spacious, airy great room, she turned in a slow circle. She determined to beat the human record for adjusting to a new home. Only a hint of the initial tension still lingered in her stomach, unlike the first day she entered this museum-like palace. Recalling that day in vivid color, she thanked God her chest hadn’t caved in and the ocean of heaviness hadn’t buckled her knees.

Me fainting would not have impressed Mrs. Logun.

A flicker of blue on the white tile floor caught her eye. Rylee picked up one of the boys’ Lego men that had escaped the playroom and rolled the tiny figure between her thumb and forefinger. The little guy was lucky she spotted him. This dwelling with its colossal dimensions and asymmetrical décor swallowed him the way outer space would swallow a bubble.

“Small and exposed. I know exactly how you feel.” Rylee stuffed the lonely toy man into her shorts pocket next to the other play piece she’d found on the head of one of the statues in the marble entry. She would return both men to the third-story world where they belonged.

If only I could fit in as painlessly as Lego pieces fit together. A speck of her heart ached for the cozy sense of belonging she’d left behind on the mainland. As long as that speck didn’t turn into a thorn in her side, she’d manage fine.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website http://jamarx.net/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/embattledspirit 

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/ 

Pinterest (for this novel)

Thank you, J. A., for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will love it as much as I do.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Family Lies Deadly Ties - Paperback
Family Lies Deadly Ties - 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. (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:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WARM MULLED KISSES - 10 Novella Collection - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, I've become a publisher. The first book released will be a 10 novella collection by mid-October. Six of the authors are multi-published and five are debut authors. All of them, including me, are in the critique group that meets in my home.

I'm excited about this collection. We have seven contemporary stories. And we have three historicals, one set in WWII and two that are westerns.

I'm in the process of the final edit of all the novellas. We have a wide variety of stories I think you'll like.

The line-up includes:

Reindeer Games - by multi-published author Lisa Crane

Luke Anderson is only at the mall as a favor to his sister and her two children. When he sits down in the only open chair he can find in the food court, he never imagines his life will be turned upside-down. A woman he knows only as Callie, dressed as one of Santa’s reindeer, leads him on a merry chase. Will Luke get the Christmas gift he really wants? Will he find the intriguing woman with the amazing green eyes? Maybe, just maybe, with the help of the whole city … A modern-day Cinderella with a twist of mistletoe, Reindeer Games will have you laughing and sighing.

No Thank You - by multi-published author Lena Nelson Dooley

Social Director Scarlett McKaye loves planning things down to the last detail. But what she didn't count on was having to spurn the bold advances of a reckless suitor. When she was in college, her reckless fiancé was killed. She never wants to stand by the grave of the man she loves again. How far will daredevil Derrick Greene have to go to cancel Scarlett's reservations?

A Riveting Christmas - by multi-published author Jackie Castle

In 1945, Charles Madison returned home from WWII full of hope and a fistful of sweet-scented letters from his childhood friend and girl of his dreams. Eager to resume his life and enjoy some hard-earned peace, he aims to marry Emma Rose who was as exquisite as the flower she was named for. But when Charles steps off the bus, he’s greeted not by a pretty rose, but a thorny bush he barely recognizes.

Emma Rose Carter fought her own war while the men were away. She faithfully wrote to the soldiers fighting on the front lines, offering encouragement and prayers. However, her father’s death at sea send her mother into depression, and Emma Rose now works two jobs to help keep the family afloat. Left feeling greasy and haggard at the end of every workday, she has no patience for men seeking a dolly that will hang on their arm. She’s looking a true friend who will stand with her and walk out whatever bombs life drops on them.

Will she find her heart’s desire in her ol’ pal Chuck or in the ambitious factory boss who promises to sweep her off her feet?

Christmas Apples - by multi-published author J A Marx, and debut author Sydnie Shreffler

Bailey Chapman's son asks for only one gift for Christmas—a daddy. Carrying the burden of her husband’s death, Bailey makes her annual visit to her hometown to take care of her husband’s estate. Her old high school nemesis drops a hurdle in front of her that compromises her schedule. Overwhelmed at having only eight days to complete the task, Bailey fears she will not finish in time for Christmas, much less have any presents to bring home to her two children.

Mason Tolman, marine-turned-bored banker, hasn't forgiven himself for the accident that almost killed his high school sweetheart. When Bailey walks into the bank, carrying with troubles beyond her ability and resources, Mason resolves to help her, if only to atone for the accident.

Stepping out in faith, Bailey allows Mason to assist her. As they disassemble the estate room by room, they discover treasures that will change the future of the entire town. But can those treasures merge their mismatched paths into one?

Santability - by debut author Marilyn Eudaly

Radio Personality Trudy Moore needs the Santability promotion she designed to impress the new owners of K-FOLK radio. Now is not the time for her and her partner, Jim Cooke, to find a new venue for their talent.

Gunnar Stone is the corporate vice president with power to cancel Jim and Trudy’s “Cooke’n Up Moore Country” morning drive-time show. Trudy sees Gunnar as a grinch stealing the joy out of the Christmas season.Gunnar sees Trudy as a hazard to his career.

When New England based Clear Signal Broadcasting Systems buys K-FOLK radio in Arlington, Texas, everyone knows change is inevitable. Bah humbug attitudes prevail. The mystery of the mistletoe which appears and multiplies does nothing to lighten the mood.

Her career and future blurred by hurtful words, Trudy is caught between condemnation and forgiveness.

Saving Christmas - by multi-published author Patricia PacJac Carroll

Priscilla Christmas Humphry stared out on the bleak street of Al Drado, Texas. It had none of the holiday look of Baltimore. And it certainly didn’t have Eugene. Although, he said he’d come and take her away to marry her, he’d not shown up yet. Father had it in mind for her to marry a cowboy. Priscilla slammed her fist on the counter. That was not going to happen.

Rancher Steve Matthews wasn’t really looking for a wife, but after he went to the bank and saw Priscilla staring down a bank robber, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. She did come with a tall attitude and biting wit, but there was just something about her that drew him to her.

A fun story of twists and turns and father knows best.

The Gift Quilt - by debut author Kathy Wall

Ashley McDonald intends to bury her guilt by becoming a medical missionary. While waiting for the mission board to decide her fate, she cares for an elderly woman who introduces her to the gift quilt and to her grandson. Both cause Ashley to question her future and her faith.

Dr. Michael Davis accomplished his goal of becoming a medical doctor. Now he’s ready to start a family—only there’s no woman in his life who draw his interest. He meets Ashley, the woman his grandmother’s been raving about. She’s perfect, except she's going to Africa in a few months. 

Learning the truth of the gift quilt opens Ashley’s world to new possibilities, but could it also provide the answer to Michael’s dreams for a family.

No-L, No-L, No-L - by multi-published author Marji Laine
Noelle Arcoli fully expects to her father to promote her to the head of Arcolli Labs when he announces his retirement. He doesn’t. Instead, he worries that her dedication to her job has left her with no laughter, no love, and no life.

She is truly No-L.

He presses her to settle down and raise a family. She misunderstands that this is his stipulation for her becoming president. Having always done her best to please her papa, she attempts to get back into the dating game to at least try to obey his wishes.

But Donovan Arcoli has been grooming Nick Bannister for the position. Not that Nick wants the job. He’s been like part of the Arcoli clan since he became a teenager, though, and will do anything for the only true father-figure he ever had.

Noelle’s stress brings out Nick’s protective nature. In an effort to encourage her, he draws her out privately, as a friend. Yet the more time they spend together, the more his affection becomes less and less brotherly. Could he hold the answer to all of her problems?

A Groom for Christmas - by multi-published author Anne Greene

In 1851 when her father dies of cholera, Felicity Daniels is stranded at Ft. Laramie, one-third of the way to Oregon Territory. She owns two fully-loaded prairie schooners and the oxen to pull them. But her room and board at Sal’s Boarding House and the feeding of her oxen dwindle her papa’s money stash. All her life, due to her father’s vigilante life-style and the revengeful bad men on his trail, Felicity moved from one town to another with no opportunity to put down roots. She desperately wants the six hundred forty acres of free land offered in the brochures that set numerous wagon trains on their way northwest over the Oregon Trail.

Ben Bonneville has problems of his own. Living for the past two months at Sal’s Boarding House, he’s attracted to Felicity. But a wife doesn’t fit into his life’s plan. His mother needed expensive medical care that put Ben into great debt, so he’s off to join the 1849 Gold Rush. He’s committed to panning gold to pay his mother’s medical debts back East, and then becoming a circuit-riding preacher in the Gold Rush towns. Ben sympathizes with Felicity’s plight, but he hardens his heart.

A Christmas Mosaic - by debut author Karen Jurgens

Carlie Livingston is steering into her last year of college in Oxford, Ohio, confident that she and Lance Holloway are headed to the altar after graduation. Those plans are wrecked, however, by her dad’s infidelity, causing her parents to walk through a messy divorce. Will she have the same fate if she marries her college sweetheart who comes from a secular family? Her mother insists she will.

She tests God’s Word by letting Him take the wheel of her life. But if God is in control, why are all her close relationships crumbling?  Nothing makes sense.

Just when it appears hopeless, Clay McKinney two-steps into Carlie's life, promising to provide everything she’s looking for. But if he’s God’s answer, why can’t her heart release Lance? Where will her final destination be on this journey of trust?  

Don't these novellas sound like something you'd like to read?

When you leave a comment, please tell us which story you'd like to read first.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. I will send the book to you as soon as the book goes live in the Kindle store in mid-October. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

DESTINY DELIVERED - J A Marx - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I know those of you who read Destiny Defied have been eagerly awaiting the release of book two in the series. J. A. is in the critique group that meets in my home, and we have all loved her books. Her writing style and subject matter is so unique that we had to come up with a new genre name for her. Contemporary Suspense with a Supernatural Twist. The books give a different slant on human trafficking and spiritual warfare. The characters leap from the pages and stay in your heart and mind for long after you close the book for the last time.

BIO: J.A. Marx writes from Texas. She and her husband of 30 years love to travel and spend time with their grandchildren. Her hobbies include fitness, nutrition, and painting.

Articles on nutrition, writing, and parenting, plus editing for an international healthcare e-zine ride her resume, but J.A. favorite activity is illustrating God healing the soul through supernatural suspense.

Destiny Defied, book 1 in The Destiny Series, released October 2014. http://amzn.to/1vY0zOb

Destiny Delivered, book 2 officially released February 24, 2015 http://amzn.to/1yYWmoc

Destiny Defended, book 3 will officially release later this year.

Family Lies, Deadly Ties releases in 2016 through Prism Book Group

Welcome back, J A. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

With few exceptions, I write what I like to read. Some people read to escape. I read to immerse myself in deep thought. I need the emotional and mental challenge. What I write challenges my beliefs and my spiritual maturity. God wired me to analyze the behaviors and thought processes of my characters as they deal with their circumstances and internal issues. It’s pure joy.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

My happy meter reached a high the moment I realized my children had made that final and complete leap from thinking like a child to processing life as an adult. Very rewarding.

(The spiritual answer to this question: Each time I receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ)

How has being published changed your life?

I have to manage my time more diligently. Thankfully, I have an understanding family when deadlines loom.

And I’ve now entered the realm of author highs and lows. While it is vain in the light of eternity, I ask questions such as, “Does anybody out there like my book?”

I’m right there with you, and I can say, when the read the books, most people will love them. You can’t please all the people all the time. What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Dr. James Richards’ How to Stop the Pain. Yes, it’s non-fiction. I apply a lot psychology to my stories, and this book fits in great with my protagonist and her emotional/spiritual healing process.

What is your current work in progress?

Well, the 3rd book in the series, Destiny Defended, is in the queue, plus I have a romantic suspense undergoing editing with a traditional publisher. So while I wait for those two books to release, I’m editing the 4th book in my series.

What would be your dream vacation?

Agh! Lena, I tell you how hard I’m working, and now you’re tempting me to pack a bag and run off on some adventure? Okay, if you insist.

Picture this: A cabin near a stream. Surrounded by mountain peaks. Hiking trails. Wildlife. Fresh air. Blue skies and sunshine. Aromatic pine trees ... Are you feeling it yet?

Right now, I’d love to go there, especially if it isn’t covered with ice and snow as we are here in North Texas today. How do you choose your settings for each book?

Thus far, the settings have acted like characters in the sense they naturally accompany the hero and/or heroine. On the other hand, the locations have also been some place familiar. I’ve spent a lot of time in the islands, lived in four different states, and visited many foreign countries. Those experiences have worked magnificently to my advantage.

In essence, my characters go where I’ve been.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

That would have to be a former mentor from Colorado, Joyce K. I learned so much just by being in her presence and watching her do life, ministry, and family. Joyce and her husband saved our marriage during what we called “hell week” when we almost lost both our second child and me during birthing. I’d love the opportunity to spend an evening catching up and telling her in person how much she means to me, even twenty years later.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Nutrition. I’m always looking for a new recipe to add to my menu. I’m picky when it comes to what I feed my temple. Thankfully, my husband shares my desire to eat healthfully. My most recent concoction is fennel salad with pine nuts and organic ground buffalo. Yum!

(My alter ego, however, loves an occasional slice of chocolate cake and random visits to Yogurt Story.)

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

 Second-guessing myself. This leads to possibly rewriting certain sections unnecessarily. I have not yet overcome this, but I think the pressure of deadlines is changing me.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I love working with beginning authors. First, start studying the craft of writing and never stop. I still attend classes at conferences, and I review writing basics once a year. I highly suggest getting into some sort of critique group with writers that are connected to the industry. The feedback from other authors is invaluable. Granted, finding a good group is not always easy, but keep looking and ask God to connect you.

Tell us about the featured book.

Destiny Delivered, book 2 of The Destiny Series takes place near Cleveland, Ohio.

Chiara escaped nineteen years captivity and is now rebuilding her life from scratch. Everything would be fine if there were no men around for her to hate.

Isaac goes overboard in trying to get the mysterious Chiara, a former sex slave, accepted into his community. Few are willing to look beyond her social bumbling to find her hidden worth.

Just when things couldn’t get worse, the FBI tracks Chiara down and coerces her into helping them catch a murderer/trafficker. Isaac’s wish to understand her unimaginable past comes true. He not only experiences her old world firsthand, he encounters the man who wants Chiara dead.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

June 1, 1990, Miami, Florida

The JetRanger helicopter soared up Biscayne Bay. Isaac Young, fresh out of his first year of college, had never been so thankful for his EMT training. His mentor’s private chopper offered only a basic first aid kit, and to compensate, Isaac’s three friends were following his instructions on everything from bandaging to positioning his patient.

Chiara opened her mouth, and he bent close so she wouldn’t strain. “Tongue. Numb.”

He rechecked her pulse.

The girl washed up on their island a week ago. Within seven days, Chiara had earned his respect and, unknowingly, won his heart. He’d do anything to keep from losing her. At the moment, that meant keeping her conscious.

He searched out the window. What were the odds that the Lux had followed them to Florida? How seriously did they want Chiara back? Isaac prayed they believed she was dead, but his gut told him the men who shot her had intentionally left her alive.

Or had God deflected the bullets?

“Stay awake, Chiara.” Isaac patted her pale cheek. “Jase, Sabio, Kiko. We’re all here for you.”

She didn’t respond.

The chopper landed at an airfield on Miami’s bustling shoreline. Kiko opened the cabin door to the ambulance team rushing toward them with a metal stretcher.

Helping wheel the gurney, Isaac filled in the paramedics with details on Chiara’s gunshot wounds and climbed into the ambulance with her. Before the door closed, he waved a thank you to his three best friends who would follow later.

How can readers find you on the Internet

Website: http://jamarx.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JA_Marx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embattledspirit

Thank you, Julie, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will love it as much as I do.

Readers,  leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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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DESTINY DEFIED - J A Marx - One Free Book

Readers, I've really looked forward to introducing you to this author whose debut novel introduces a new genre--Embattled Spirit novels. She's a member of the critique group that meets in my home. 

Welcome, Julie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

My counselor’s heart wants to come through most. I have to remind myself that there’s only one counselor in the series, and Dr. Young doesn’t show up until book 2, Destiny Delivered. I completely let my guard down when writing in his POV.

As for the other characters, some of them would actually intimidate me in real life. I created each male character from the 4 personalities in the book, The Two Sides of Love.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

I’m secretly adventurous, Lena. So I’d have to say it’s a toss up between smuggling Bibles into China and jumping out of a plane. (Not at the same time.)

I have a dear friend who is a missionary in China. She started by going several times to smuggle Bibles in through Brother Andrews’s ministry. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Don’t laugh, Lena. I know this will be hard for you to believe. I didn’t realize I wanted to write until 2001-02 when I first penned Destiny Defied. Our pastor in Ohio prophesied over me that I was about to discover a deeper aspect of my calling. And I did.

THAT SAID. In 1991, Frank Peretti’s books inspired me to write my very first novel. I wrote it just for fun and it’s now buried somewhere. I think God let me taste the bug but purposely blinded me to the calling.

Actually, I wouldn’t laugh at that. We all find our calling to write in different ways. God didn’t just use one cookie cutter to create all the writers. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love suspense and stories with spiritual depth. Some of my favorite authors are Tosca Lee, Peretti, Dekker, and C.S. Lewis.

When I was younger, I read all of Phyllis A. Whitney and a variety of other authors and genres. Then I read mostly non-fiction for ministry purposes. Once I started writing, I got back into fiction.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

About 20 years ago, I traded in New Year’s’ resolutions for a life strategic plan, which I review/refine yearly. If opportunities do not line up with my mission, vision, and values, I don’t do them—unless God leads otherwise. This helps me say “no” without guilt to the many opportunities that arise and saves me from burnout and over-commitment.

I’m sure that answer will touch a chord in many of my blog readers, Julie. How do you choose your characters’ names?

That’s a self-imposed challenge. I’m very purposeful. I take the meaning of each name seriously. For example, Sabio Quinn. His name means “wise one” and he’s the intellectual of the bunch. Riki (ruler) Hammad (highly praised) took some research to put it together because Riki had to fit both genders and be a title the fanatic underground would name the prophesied Chosen Child, who was supposed to be born a boy (according to their prophecy).

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Successfully homeschooling my 2 beloved children.

I’ve only met one of them, but I can agree that you did a very good job with him. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A large bird. I love the feeling of soaring through the air and getting a bird’s-eye view of the world. Pun intended.

What is your favorite food?

Let’s see . . . besides %70 dark chocolate?

Homemade oatmeal with cinnamon, apples, and Stevia.

Readers, our critique group is known for our bowl of dark chocolate on the coffee table every week. Sometimes, there’s also some milk chocolate. Now, Julie, what is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Great question! Point of view (POV). When I started writing, I revealed everything that was in every character’s head and felt it had to be that way to get the story across. Thanks to my insistent and patient mentor, author Carol Umberger, I now value a tight POV. The tighter the better.

Tell us about the featured book.

Eighteen-year-old Riki survives a shipwreck and ends up trapped on a mysterious private island. She finds refuge with four college guys who insist they are the only people there. But Riki senses someone stalking her. Evil redefined.

Lord Vétis, executive leader of a cultic underground, has three days to reclaim the Chosen One as his property. He uses black magic to manipulate Riki and her self-appointed bodyguards. If Vétis can’t have her, no one will.

Riki and her island-mates are forced into a consuming battle. In the end, she must fight for her freedom to live a normal life – something she’s never known.

Destiny Defied explores God’s relevance, man’s choices, purity, and the value of friendship. The supernatural is a hot theme, and this novel is a must for anyone interested in the effects of dabbling in the occult. The reader will also get a powerful and intimate look at how the way we treat a person can change a life.

Since I’m only familiar with books two and three, I can’t wait to read this one. Please give us the first page of the book.

Friday night, May 25, 1990

Southwest of Andros Island

I should’ve killed him. If the drugged oils Lord Vétis had made Riki inhale weren’t raging in her system, she’d revisit his cabin. Armed with a knife.

Don’t be stupid. She hesitated near the hatchway. Vétis she could handle. But no earthly weapon could defeat the phantom the Lux overlord had summoned. She’d prefer the vile, molesting hands of a man over experiencing it ever again. Returning to Vétis’s rancid cabin would be suicide.

All crew and passengers had been ordered to go below, but Riki had sworn to make the rendezvous. She sneaked out the hatchway, and the weather deck pitched beneath her wobbly legs. Gripping the side rail, she pulled herself aftward through the darkness, her stomach sloshing with the ship’s sway. The light rain pecking her back told her to expect a full-blown storm.

Every centimeter of the Nave del Piacere disgusted her. Since her seventh birthday, this mega-yacht had cursed her weekends. Tonight topped them all. Why had her mother not warned her that this cruise was different?

Why had the Lux chosen her?

“God…” Dare she break the law and pray? Superstitious, no. She was desperate. “If you exist, save me—”

Burning prongs gored her solar plexus, and Riki doubled over. Just as quickly, the burning ceased, leaving her midsection tingling. The phantom had found her, just as Vétis had said would happen. An invincible force.

I can’t wait to get a copy of the book in my hand. How can my readers find you on the Internet?

http://jamarx.net/

http://writeintegrity.com/
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/J.A.-Marx/e/B00AJRW8X6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1358611760&sr=8-2-ent

Destiny Defied is available on

-Amazon:

ISBN-13: 978-1-938092-32-9

ISBN-10: 1938092325

-Kindle

-Barnes & Noble

-Book Depository

-By Request at Local Booksellers

-Also available on Ingram

Thank you, Julie, for sharing your life and this book with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Destiny Defied (The Destiny Series) (Volume 1) - paperback
Destiny Defied (The Destiny Series) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com