Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Review - Smart Piggy

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Smarty Pig
BY: Molly Nero
PUBLISHED BY: Halo
PUBLISHED IN: December 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61244-048-4
Pages: 30
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

"Smarty Pig" is a delightful tale about a house full of little piggies. After school, they like to play cards, watch TV and play tag instead of doing their homework. Only one red-haired piggy does her homework and study for her tests. The other piggies call her “Teacher’s Pet”, but she surprises all of them when she is only one who gets good grades on report card day. The other piggies are upset and they all want to know how to get good grades. The red-haired piggy eagerly agrees to teach them math and science.

I enjoyed reading “Smarty Pig”, and I loved the beautiful illustrations throughout the picture book. Young readers can easily relate to story, as I am sure all them would rather be playing than studying or doing their homework. I liked how the little red-haired piggy in the story used simple household items, like play-money and cookies to help the piggies learn math and science. “Smarty Pig” is a cute read for young readers.

About the Author:

Molly Nero grew up in Texas loving to sing, dance, and read. She spent over 18 years teaching elementary school. Reading to her own children, she was inspired to write. Molly Nero recently moved to Pennsylvania where she resides with her family, 2 dogs, and a leopard spotted Gecko and enjoys writing, cooking, and making snowmen.

www.smartypigbooks.com

Author Spotlight: Molly Nero

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

About the author:

Molly Nero grew up in Texas loving to sing, dance, and read. She spent over 18 years teaching elementary school. Reading to her own children, she was inspired to write. Molly Nero recently moved to Pennsylvania where she resides with her family, 2 dogs, and a leopard spotted Gecko and enjoys writing, cooking, and making snowmen.

Author Website: www.smartypigbooks.com

Smarty Pig is the only one in the pig family who hasn’t given up on school and doing her homework. Although she is teased, her report card shows her hard work, while the others fail. The other pigs reach out to her and she becomes their tutor, by creating games in their home. They all realize learning can be fun and that it’s not just for school, it’s for life.

You can find out more about Molly Nero’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/MollyNero.aspx.

Review - The Accidental Bride

2012-01-18T00:16:00.001-06:00

The Accidental Bride
BY: Denise Hunter
PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Nelson
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59554-802-3
Pages: 298
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Single mother, Shay Brandenberger, thought that playing a bride in the Founder’s Day wedding reenactment would be easy, that is until she found out who the groom was - Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart who left her standing at the alter fourteen years earlier. Despite wanting to run, she goes along with the fake wedding. Well, Shay thought it was fake at first, but she soon finds out that her the marriage is actually legal. Was it the preacher’s mistake? Or was it an act of God?

The Accidental Bride is the second in A Big Sky Romance series from author Denise Hunter, and it is surprisingly likeable from the very first page. Circumstances occur that results in the main character, Shay, accidentally marring her ex who left her at the alter years before. Sure, she could just get annulment, but her Travis McCoy may be the only one who can save her childhood ranch. The author did a remarkable job setting up the plot and writing fun, entertaining characters. I recommend it to all romance readers!

*I would like to thank Tyndale for sending me a copy to review.

Review: Chasing Mona Lisa

2012-01-17T01:17:00.000-06:00

Chasing Mona Lisa
BY: Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey
PUBLISHED BY: Revell
PUBLISHED IN: 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2046-9
Pages: 334
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In this sequel to The Swiss Courier, OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler are back and this time the are trying to rescue Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa before it falls into the clutches of the Germans. Set during World War II, the agents have their hands full as travel from Paris to a Swiss chateau, in a race to save the painting.

I read Chasing Mona Lisa with no knowledge of the pervious novel, so it can be easily read as a stand-alone novel. I’m not a fan of reading books set during the World War II, but the plot of the Mona Lisa being stolen intrigue me. I thought the characters were well written, but there were a few to many German characters causing the story’s pacing to slow down. Normally, I find multiple plots can bring down a story, but they are all nicely tied together. There is a hint of romance, but the book is mostly a high energy, action-packed read. Overall, I enjoyed Chasing Mona Lisa and I recommend it to all readers.

*I would like to thank Revell and Litfuse for sending me a copy to review.

About the Authors:

Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visit www.triciagoyer.com

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike and his other books visit www.mikeyorkey.com

Win an iTouch SPY Pack in the Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway from @triciagoyer @mikeyorkey!Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia's website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Walgreens VS. Express Script

2012-01-15T17:04:00.001-06:00

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

As of January 1, 2012, all Walgreens nationwide, including Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York City area, are no longer part of Express Scripts' pharmacy provider network. Walgreens and Express Script tried to negotiate with for over a year, but failed. This situation is upsetting the pharmacy patients and forcing them to use their in-network pharmacy to go elsewhere because of Express Scripts actions. The patients that are covered by Express Scripts now have to find a new pharmacists, in which some cases the patients have to drive further to get their prescriptions filled from pharmacies that aren't open 24-hours and don't offer a drive-thru pharmacy. With all this hassle you would think the patients would see a cost decrease, but the cost is the same.

Walgreens offered to hold rates for a new contract and didn't want their patients to have an increase in rates. Express Script wanted to change what defined in the contract terms, such as what does or does not constitute as a brand and generic drug. Express Scripts wanted to slash Walgreens reimbursement rates to a below average level. Express Scripts have stated that their clients will never see any savings from excluding Walgreens from its network, but Walgreens offer competitive pricing and offers additional savings by having less expensive generic drugs (more than what other pharmacies offer), and savings through 90-day supplies for medication.

During this difficult time, Walgreens is offering a special membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. For only ten dollars a year, you can get a family membership that covers everyone in our immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and even pets. Individuals may also join for five dollars a month. When you join the club you'll receive discount prices on your prescriptions, saving on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications. Other benefits include discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies. There are bonuses when you buy Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.

To support Walgreens, you can stay updated with Walgreens on Facebook and follow Walgreens on Twitter.

Follow Friday

2012-01-13T21:16:00.000-06:00

Question of the Week: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

My Answer:

Singers: Natasha Bedingfield, Kelly Clarkson, Colbie Caillat
Bands: The Civil Wars, A Fine Frenzy, Evanescence

Follow Friday

2012-01-05T21:36:00.001-06:00

Question of the Week: Go count the number of unread books sitting on your shelf. How many?

My Answer: Shelf? I have shelves! From where I'm sitting, I see about twenty-five unread James Patterson books, and a few dozen others by various writers. I have too many books to count. Most of the unread books I have are for personal reading. As soon as I get caught up on book reviews, I want to catch up on my personal reading.

Writing News: My short story, "Trick-or-Spells" has been nominated for the P&E Readers Poll. Voting ends January 10. http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstory.shtml

"Trick-or-Spells" Nominated

2012-01-04T13:59:00.002-06:00

My short story, Trick-or-Spells, has been nominated for the best short story in the P&E Readers Poll. You can vote at http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstory.shtml. Voting ends January 10th!

"The Keeper" Review and Giveaway!

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

The Keeper

BY: Suzanne Woods Fisher

PUBLISHED BY: Revell

PUBLISHED IN: 2012

ISBN: 978-0-8007-1987-6

Pages: 320
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In the first book of the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, Julia Lapp and her siblings, Menno, Sadie, and Mary Kate (M.K.) are running their family farm because their father, Amos, has a bad heart and can no longer do day to day chores on the farm. Amos is an old school Amish and doesn’t want to have a heart transplant, even though it could save his life.

Julia has other things on her mind, like marrying Paul Fisher. She has dreamed of being his wife since she was a child, but her wedding plans are constantly being delayed by Paul’s overprotected mother, Edith, who will do anything to stop the wedding.

Running a farm can be difficult, so the Lapp family has their Uncle Hank to help them with the farm. Fern Graber arrives at the farm as a caregiver for Amos. Soon enough the Bee Man arrives. The Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities with his hives of bees and then rents them out to farmers.

Will Julia marry Paul?

Will Amos changes his ways and have a heart transplant?

“The Keeper” is slightly different than the typical Amish fiction, adding witty characters and realism that any reader can connect with. Life is full of twists and turns that challenges your faith as the main character Julia findsout. There is heartache, laughter and wonderful storytelling to be found in “The Keeper”. I recommend the book to all readers.

*I would like to thank the Baker Publishing Company for sending me a copy to review!

About the author:

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

It’s a “Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher!Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway"during the blog tour for The Keeper! During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!

During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:

A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of The Keeper

But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!

RSVP early and tell your friends!

And the Winner is...

2012-01-02T23:41:00.000-06:00

And the Winner of the "Night of the Living Dead Christian" Certificate Giveaway is....

Kristina from Our Crazy Wonders!

Congratulations!

You'll be receiving an email from me soon!

Follow Friday!

2011-12-30T23:30:00.000-06:00

Question of the Week: The New Year is here -- and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

My Answer: Currently I do not have any future plans for my blog. In 2012, I'm planning on spending more time on my writings.

Pimp My Cube Contest

2011-12-30T14:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contest Factory for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

With 2012 just a few days away, it's time to start those New Year's resolutions. If your resolution is to clean up your office space, then you may want to enter into the Pimp My Cube Contest, from 12/5/11 at 12:00 PM to 1/31/12 at 12:00 PM. Pimp My Cube is looking for the messiest/worst office space or cubicle that has out of date furniture and technology, unorganized desktop (or just plain messy), noisy, dark, or dirty that makes it a horrible environment to work in. Just upload a video showing your messy workspace. Then explain why it your office is so unpleasant and why Contest Factory should pimp your cube. Once your video is entered you can invite your friends, family and co-workers to vote for your video. Remember, the videos should be fun and witty. The better your story is, the funnier the video will be, and the better chances of winning. You'll receive entry points for registering, voting, commenting, and for inviting others to join the contest.

The grand prize is worth approximately $1200. The Contest will update your office/cube with one of three prize packages:

*New High End Computer System

*New Desk, Chair, and Decorations

*New Entertainment Package, including High End Stereo, Espresso Machine, etc.

It's really easy to upload a video by usin your phone or webcam.

There will be a second prize of a $200 gift card will be awarded to the registered user chosen by random drawing at the end of the contest period.

If you have a messy office, you should hop on over to the PMC site, register and upload a video for a chance to win the grand prize. Once your video is approved, have your family and friends to vote for your video.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Rachel Hauck

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this spring, just click this link and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).

Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and earrings giveaway! Enter now by filling out this {form}. The winner will on 1/1 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Jesus -- The Reason For the Season
By: Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the world? All right, Mary, way to go.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married, and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother. They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name…”

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly said, “Generations will remember me!”

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth. Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s done great things for me!”

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord this Christmas!”

***

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding Dress. www.rachelhauck.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Robin Dance

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Panhandler's Breath
By Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though, baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there was no where to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind. The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he nodded in my and my son’s direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate. The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***

In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist, Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. www.pensieve.me

12 Pearls of Christmas - Debora M. Coty

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

***

Inside Out Christmas
by Debora M. Coty

My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she’d been vomiting incessantly and her worried owner didn’t know what was wrong.

“Why don’t you go on home?” Dr. Katie told the owner. “I’ll need to run tests for about four hours. We’ll give you a call when we’re finished.”

Dr. Katie’s assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her assistant over.

“Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?” she asked incredulously.

“Matter of fact, it does,” replied the astute assistant. “And look, there’s an angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it’s Baby Jesus!”

At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog’s distraught owner. “I can’t believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my manger scene yesterday. There’s nothing there but an empty stable!”

As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem. With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior’s birth never really makes it to the outside.

Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations, baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They’re merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.

Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?

I’m afraid all too often, the answer is no.

I’m just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul by the vacuum called urgency.

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (Psalm 68:3, NLT).

This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God’s presence, and letting my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of true joy.

Yep, there’s a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than our colons.

***

Debora M. Coty is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at www.DeboraCoty.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Tracey Eyster

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

***

Simple or Sparkle?
by Tracey Eyster

It’s a simple ornament made of thin cheap metal and it looks quite out of place on our CHRISTmas tree. But each year I lovingly and safely nestle it amongst its expensive and sparkly peers, without a care as to how unglamorous it appears.

Many of our CHRISTmas ornaments have a story and an uncanny way of welling up emotion in me, but this certain one causes an intense stir.

You see the ornament is engraved with the name of my grandmother, Sara, and was given to me by my mother, who ordered it from Hospice, after Grandmama’s death. Yes, the months leading up to her death carry memories of a frail and failing grandmama, but that ornament carries my thoughts to sweet CHRISTmas memories of the past.

CHRISTmas Eve dinners in her home, laughing, singing, gathering and celebrating a year filled with blessings as we remembered the birth of our Savior. CHRISTmas mornings, she was always there participating with glee, in our raucous CHRISTmas happiness. Her gifts were always bank envelopes gently tucked into the pine needles of our CHRISTmas tree, fresh cut from the property she grew up on.

All memories of my Grandmama make my heart swell. You see she was my Jesus with skin on. She lived her life full of joy, serving others and approached life selflessly with an attitude of, “What can I do for you?”

Just months before she left us, even as the Alzheimer’s was robbing her mind she shared her love of Jesus with a sweet little old lady friend, who came to know the Lord – a divine appointment. The very next day that little old lady silently slipped away to meet in person the One Sara introduced her to just the day before.

At the time I wept, realizing that regardless of our own frailties and failings, God can still use those of us who are willing to do His work and are well practiced at hearing His voice...no matter our lack of sparkle in comparison to others.

A simple life lived for Him, a simple ornament in memory of Sara...a simple truth for you to ponder.

***

Tracey Eyster wife, mom, relationship gatherer and Creator/Editor of FamilyLife’s MomLife Today is a media savvy mom making a difference where moms are, on-line. Through speaking, writing and video interviews Tracey is passionate about encouraging, equipping and advising moms on every facet of momlife. Her first book, Be The Mom will be released August 2012. You can connect with Tracey at www.momlifetoday.com, her personal site www.traceyster.com or www.twitter/momblog.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Susan May Warren

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

***

Enjoy the Ride!
Susan May Warren

We sit poised on the top of a cliff, a near drop off before us, that falls to a rushing river. In the middle, a bridge of snow and ice hints at our destination. My husband guns the snowmobile engine. “Ready?”

Ready? For a face plant into a tree, maybe reconstructive surgery? To feel my stomach ripped from my body as we plummet down the mountain? Let’s do it!

We live on five acres of woods in northern Minnesota that butts up to a national forest. Hence, our backyard is about a hundred thousand acres. Aside from harboring deer, lynx, fox, cougar and bear, it also makes excellent snowmobile terrain. And not long ago, Mrs. Claus gave her Santa a snowmobile for two.

I love snowmobiling. Flying over the snow, catching air over drifts. I love to drive, to be at the helm of the beast as I weave around trees and over hill and dale, my husband sitting behind me. I also love riding behind my husband as he drives, feeling those powerful arms as he’s muscling the snowmobile into the wilds. We follow unknown trails, driven by a Magellan spirit, hoping that we have enough gas to get us back to civilization. I love hanging on, simply trusting him, knowing that wherever he’s taking me, he’s going first.

But there are times, when I see where he’s taking me, and I just have to bury my head in his back. Like straight down a cliff.

However, my heart cheers, despite the terror as we gun it down the hill, over the river, up the opposite side. And, if we hadn’t let ourselves go, we would have never discovered the beauty of a winter river, a hidden jewel buried deep in the forest. Nor the exhilaration of facing the challenge together.

Further on, we find an enchanted forest of towering white pine. Catch a view of Lake Superior, discover an old cabin in the woods.

It occurs to me that snowmobiling is much like my spiritual life. Occasionally, I drive, and it’s me setting our course, weaving through the trees, getting us hopelessly lost. But when God takes the “wheel” and I hang on, trusting Him for the speed and destination, I see the scenery. I trust him to keep me safe. I trust him to bring me home, where there is an eternal supply of hot chocolate.

As Christmas season becomes more hectic, what if I let God drive? Maybe everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and maybe I don’t have to control every tradition, every holiday nuance. What if I just held on for the ride?

I’ll bet I’ll still get there, and I might even enjoy the scenery along the way.

How have you let go, and “enjoyed” the scenery of this hectic, exhilarating Christmas season?

Merry Christmas!

***

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Tricia Goyer

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future
by Tricia Goyer

Have you ever thought about family traditions? As I helped my 1-year-old place ornaments on the Christmas tree this year I imagined her doing the same thing with her children—and maybe even grandchildren—one day. Traditions are beliefs and customs handed down through generations. By sharing meaningful moments with your kids you're sending yourself into the future. How amazing is that?

Sharing family traditions cause us to slow down from the busy, adult world for a while. We ignore the laundry to set out the nativity set with our kids. We set aside time in our schedules to drive around and look at Christmas lights.

Holiday traditions aren't only fun, they also help strength family bonds. Through traditions kids trust in the security of family unit. They think, “This is our family and this is what I do.” Of course, the most important thing to share isn't just what we do ... but why. Why do we put out a nativity? To remind us the real meaning of the season—Jesus coming to earth. What do the Christmas lights represent displayed on homes and on trees? They represent the Light of the World, Jesus.

Using traditions to bond our families and share our faith isn't new. I love these two Scriptures that talk about that very thing.

Exodus 12:25 says, “When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony.”

Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

What are you're traditions? Here are a few of ours:
Baking a Birthday cake for Jesus
Buying a new ornament every year for each child
Acting out the Christmas story (with props!)
Praying together before opening presents

What are your traditions? Write a list and appreciate them in a new way this year. Then ask, “If I could add one new tradition this holiday season, what would it be?” I'd love to hear what you choose! It also makes me smile to think of your children's grandchildren doing the same.

***

Tricia Goyer is a CBA best-selling author and the winner of two American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Awards (Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights). She co-wrote 3:16 Teen Edition with Max Lucado and contributed to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Also a noted marriage and parenting writer, she lives with her husband and children in Arkansas. www.triciagoyer.com

12 Pearls of Christmas - Shellie Tomlinson

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Let The Baby Grow Up This Christmas
By Shellie Tomlinson

When I was a little girl, Christmas seemed to take forever to make its way back to our little house on the end of a dirt road called Bull Run in northeast Louisiana. We kids started counting down the days before the leaves ever began turning. Sure, the adults said it came once a year but I wasn't so sure. Once Santa Claus left our humble abode it seemed like light years before he found his way back to the Delta.

That was a child's perspective. I imagine it hasn't changed all that much for today's kids. On the other hand, I'm operating under a completely different time frame these days. It seems like it was just yesterday when I pulled the boxes down from the attic and began pulling out the nativity scene, the miniature lights, and the keepsake ornaments. And now, just that fast-- Christmas Day is right around the corner. Soon the tree will be striped naked and the piled up presents will all be distributed. After a few more day it'll be hard to remember who got what from whom, and once again, I'll start packing all the decorations away for another year.

I was thinking about how bare and cold the house always looks after the holidays when I realized that, sadly, this scene would play itself out in many hearts as well. A lot of people will have had expectations that weren't filled and many of those same souls will be left with hurts that don't seem to heal. Unless this year is remarkably different from past seasons, my bet is, the New Year will bring magazines full of articles on combating depression and the talk shows will have experts on offering ways to fill the long days ahead and cure the winter blues.

I'm no expert, dear readers, but I'd like to offer you a suggestion that will go far beyond the creature comforts of a nice warm bath or a delicious bowl of hot soup. Your heart doesn't have to be bare and naked after the holidays. Do you want to know the real secret? It's simple, really. Don't pack up Christ with Christmas! As beautiful and special as the Christmas story is, it's only a part of heaven's miracle. The Christ child grew into a man and the man became a Savior.

This year, may we be determined to let the babe from Bethlehem live on in our hearts. If we'll allow Him to become the Messiah He was born to be, the joy of Christmas can be ours all year long.

***

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an author, speaker, and radio host from Louisiana. Her latest release Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy was endorsed by Jeff Foxworthy as "laugh out loud funny!" You can find Shellie's weekly southern features, podcasts, video chats and more at http://www.allthingssouthern.com/ Make sure to get by the blog and read about the Super Christmas Giveaway Shellie is hosting for her readers and secure your chance to win a Mort Kunstler print valued between $700 and $1400. www.allthingssouthern.com

12 Pearls of Christmas - Deborah Raney

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Snowflake Party
By Deborah Raney

The first snow of winter hasn’t fallen yet, but in our kitchen tonight we’re doing a pretty good imitation. The whole family is circled around the huge old oak table. The snip, snip, snip of scissors is background music as tiny scraps of white paper float down, making our floor look like a giant brownie sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Tonight has turned out to be the night for our annual Snowflake Party, a tradition that began when our children were toddlers. There has never been a date blocked out in red on our calendar, but one day we wake up and the brisk autumn air has turned bitter cold. Naked tree branches trace their stark calligraphy on a dull grey sky and we need a taste of the joyful promises of Christmas and snow. It’s the perfect time for a party.

On such a day, one of the kids will fly in the back door, fresh home from school, and declare “Hey, Mom! Tonight would be a good night for the Snowflake Party!” First we round up every pair of scissors in the house. This is one time when sharing is not a virtue. While the kids search for scissors, I cut white paper into squares and fold them caddy-corner multiple times. The resulting triangles are artfully arranged in a basket, awaiting the beginning of the party.

Later, while the supper dishes dry on the counter, I recruit a volunteer to help me stir up a big pot of hot cocoa. For the next hour it will warm on the back burner, tantalizing us with its aroma.

Now the fun begins with careful cutting and snipping, shaping plain white paper into intricate works of art. Each snowflake we create seems as unique and spectacular as the genuine variety created by God himself. As each masterpiece is unfolded, collective oohs and aahs go up.

When the last dregs of our creative juices are drained, Dad oversees the vacuum patrol while I pour cocoa into generous mugs. We spread our handiwork on the floor around us and sit, quietly admiring our work while we dunk marshmallows and sip rich chocolate.

With empty mugs piled up in the sink, it’s time for the judging to begin. There will be awards for ‘prettiest’, ‘most unusual’, and as many other categories as we need for everyone to be a winner. Dad is the judge because he studied art in college. He also usually wins one of the top prizes––because he studied art in college.

Snowflakes deemed runners-up might be pasted in scrapbooks or hung on the refrigerator. A few even “melt” into the trash that very night. But the winners are taped proudly to the picture windows in the living room for passersby to enjoy while they long for the day when genuine snowflakes will color the world clean and white.

Our oldest daughter went away to college last September. She called just after Thanksgiving to tell me that her dorm window was covered with snowflakes. No, not the real thing, but the ones she remembers from her childhood––paper ones that she spent an entire evening cutting and snipping while sipping hot cocoa.

That’s the neat thing about traditions: They go with us no matter how far from home we travel.

***

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her books have since won the RITA Award, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. After All, third in her Hanover Falls Novels series will release next spring from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. Their four children are grown now and having snowflake parties with their own children––and they all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Elizabeth Goldsmith Musser

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Why I Decorate for Christmas
By Elizabeth Goldsmith Musser

An old cassette tape of Christmas carols—received in a package twenty years ago when we had first arrived in France as missionaries—fills our den with delightful piano music as I place one more ornament on the already over-laden Christmas tree. This one is a little white wooden rabbit with pink ears that move back and forth. It actually doesn’t look much like a Christmas ornament, but I bought it for our baby Andrew when my husband Paul was in seminary, and I was working for less than minimum wage in the library. This ornament was literally all I could afford.

As I hang it on the tree today, I get goose bumps and then a rush of warmth. And that’s why I decorate for Christmas. Not to impress but to remember. I remember those lean, lean years, and God’s faithful provision for us.

There are the cross-stitched ornaments I made our first year in Montpellier—for the boys (for by now we had two sons) and Paul and me. How I ever had time to do that, I don’t know. I remember our puny little tree—the kind they sold in France back then—in a pot so that it could be replanted later. We perched that tiny tree on a small table out of baby Christopher’s reach. I guess I watered it too much, because about halfway through December, it started smelling and then stinking, and it rotted there on Christmas Day!

I smile with these memories.

I look at the other ornaments on the tree. Many were purchased—one for each boy—when we attended conferences around Europe, and that makes me smile too. Getting to travel on a missionary’s budget to exotic places! There are the waxed red bear and red baby carriage from Wales, the brightly painted clay sun and moon from Portugal, the blue and white porcelain windmill and wooden shoes from Holland, the hand-blown glass Snoopys sitting on gondolas from Venice, and the delicately decorated eggs from Prague.

Other ornaments include the little pinkish shiny ball ornament with Paul’s name written in glitter—I think he made it when he was about six , and the little red velvet bows, bought at Michael’s after Christmas one year for a dollar. They bring a unifying theme to the tree. I say this, smiling, because our tree is, and has always been throughout the years, a hodge-podge of our life. And I like it that way. I don’t think I could ever have a ‘theme’ tree. Mine is a ‘memory’ tree.

The music plays softly in the background and I smile through tears, remembering God’s incredible faithfulness to call and keep us here in France for so many years. Heart-breakingly hard years, overwhelmingly joyful years—the same years, the same amazing God, our keeper.

Before we left for the mission field, I memorized Psalm 121 in English and in French, and over the years I have held on tight to those last beautiful words of the psalm: The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (NASB)

Of course He will. He is God with us.

We decorate to remember Christmases past, our lives, our legacy, and mostly, for those of us who have embraced Christ, we decorate to honor and praise Him for coming to us—Emmanuel! We make our homes ready to receive the Christ Child, with soft music and candles burning and the sweet flickering of angel wings on an over-laden evergreen.

***

ELIZABETH GOLDSMITH MUSSER, an Atlanta native and the bestselling author of The Swan House, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over twenty years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions work with International Teams. They presently live near Lyon, France. The Mussers have two sons and a daughter-in-law. The Sweetest Thing (Bethany House, 2011) is Elizabeth’s eighth novel. To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, and to find discussion questions as well as photos of sites mentioned in the stories, please visit www.elizabethmusser.com and her Facebook Fan Page. www.elizabethmusser.com

12 Pearls of Christmas - Sandy Ralya

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

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Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Babbie Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Where is Comfort and Joy Found?
By Sandy Ralya

The year 2006 ushered unwelcome emotions into my life. My husband was unhappy in his job, two of my grown children were making poor choices, my mother-in-law was showing signs of Alzheimer’s, extended-family issues were surfacing, and I was writing a book. Things only got worse. Much worse.

Early in 2007, I was asked to represent the mentoring ministry for wives I founded, Beautiful Womanhood, and lead a women’s conference in Uganda, Africa. My husband wasn’t sure if traveling to Africa was a good idea, so we committed it to prayer. While we were listening for an answer, I sensed God asking me to fast from spending, except for groceries, for thirty days. Sometimes you know that you’ve heard God’s voice because you’d never have come up with those words on your own. This was one of those times. I’d never heard of a fast from spending. Tom needed no convincing that a fast from spending came directly from the mouth of God. He still gets excited just thinking about it!

During the fast, it became clear I had used spending as a way to gain a comfort fix. When I was spending money, I felt carefree and lighthearted. Instead of dwelling on the unpleasantness in my life, I was thinking of my purchases and how they would bring me pleasure. Not until I stopped spending did I realize how short-lived the fix really was. During the fast, when I felt the urge to spend—to anesthetize my pain—I pictured myself running into the arms of Jesus, the Great Comforter. Oh, what comfort I received!

One night, I told good friends my experience of gaining comfort through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than money. I exclaimed that I had never felt so comforted. One friend then told us about a dream he’d had shortly after hearing about the invitation from Uganda. After the dream, he had awoken and recorded the following thoughts:

“. . . this is for Sandy. Christ’s redemption of women is beautiful. Beautiful Womanhood is a result of redemptive wholeness. The visuals the ministry uses on the books, etc., are like a piece of beautifully veneered furniture. There is something going on with the ministry to the brokenness of abused women. In Uganda, there are hurting, abused women, and something is connecting their need and Beautiful Womanhood. Though there is nothing wrong with veneer, it is only the topping—the covering, and without good structure it is shallow and will not hold up. It is time to add a new depth to the ministry.”

Then these verses came to my friend’s mind:

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NL

When my friend was finished sharing, everyone in the room broke down in tears, praising God for His work in my life. I’d learned to listen and God had spoken. I’d obeyed, and He’d acted. When He acted, I was changed.

Needless to say, I packed my bags and experienced some of the best days of my life in Uganda—offering God’s comfort to His troubled women.

***

Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980 and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have three adult children and a growing number of grandchildren. When not writing and speaking, Sandy enjoys shopping at yard sales for vintage clothing, cooking, travelling, and drinking really good coffee (black is best) with her husband. For more information, contact Sandy at sandy@beautifulwomanhood.com. Subscribe to Sandy’s blog at www.beautifulwomanhood.com/blog. Find Sandy on Facebook at Beautiful Womanhood. Follow Sandy on Twitter @MentoringWives.

Review - Night of the Living Dead Christian & Giveaway!

2011-12-15T00:05:00.000-06:00

Night of the Living Dead Christian
BY: Matt Mikalatos
PUBLISHED BY: Tyndale
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4143-3880-4
Pages: 272
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In this intriguing follow-up to Imaginary Jesus, author Matt Mikalatos once again uses himself as narrator in his own fictional story. While patrolling the streets for the Neighborhood Watch Program, Matt sees the oddest scene - a man wearing a pair of goggles and a long white lab coat, like something Dr. Frankenstein would wear, standing on the corner of 108th street, and clutching onto a mysterious box that is connected to a nearby streetlight by electrical wires. Being the Chief Officer for the Neighborhood Watch, Matt investigates the situation. The strange man is a mad scientist by the name Dr. Daniel Culbetron, and along with is sidekick android Hibbs 300, they are attempting to send a signal out that only werewolves can hear. Yes, I said werewolves!

Being the nice person that he is, Matt agrees to help the mad doctor search for the werewolf. Matt suspects that his neighbor Luther is actually a werewolf, in which this is where the main plot of the novel begins. Luther is man who has a dark side, and when that side of him comes out, he becomes a beast. A werewolf hunter is on his trail, and only Matt, Dr. Daniel Culbetron, Hibbs, a vampire and few other friends can help Luther, if they can avoid mindless zombies.

I eagerly waited for my copy of the Night of the Living Dead Christian, as I enjoyed the previous book, Imaginary Jesus. I am a horror movie fan, so, naturally, I got a kick out the title. The author, Matt Miklaatos, clearly loves old horror/monster movies as he as added zombies, vampires, werewolves, a robot, and a mad scientist to story. Even though Matt has once again added himself as a character, he is not the main character, as Luther, the werewolf, is the central character and the main focus of the book. Just like his previous novel, Matt uses satire through most of the story. Despite having creatures of the night in Night of the Living Dead Christian, just as the title suggests, this is a Christian novel with a spiritual transformation theme. I enjoyed reading every single page of and I look forward to reading Matt’s next book.

*I would like thank Tyndale for sending a review copy.

About the author:

Matt Mikalatos is the author of Imaginary Jesus. He works with a Christian nonprofit equipping college students for overseas missions. He started watching the Saturday morning Monster Matinee with his father at the age of two and as a result has a natural fear of giant irradiated insects, blood sucking rocks, and carnivorous dinosaurs. He lives near Portland, Oregon, with his wife and three daughters. Visit Matt online at www.mattmikalatos.com. Visit Tyndale House Publishers at www.tyndale.com.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Courtesy of Tyndale, I'll be giving one Night of the Living Dead Certificate!
Present the certificate to your local Christian bookstore in exchange for a free copy.
Or you can order the free copy directly from Tyndale.

Open to followers of this blog with a US mailing address

Ends January 1, 2012

No rules for this giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment and your email (EXAMPLE: coffeeramblings AT hotmail.com)

The winner will be announced in a seperate post on January 2, 2012.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Sibella Giorello

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

AdventBy Sibella Giorello

Consider the bride's walk down the aisle. We all know where that woman in the white is going but somehow waiting for her to arrive at the altar is an essential part of the ceremony. In fact, the waiting is so essential that even cheapskate Vegas chapels include wedding marches.

Why?

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

At Christmas time, we tend to forget this essential truth about anticipation. We're lost to shopping malls and checklists, rushing toward December 25th so quickly that we forget the quiet joy of the month's other 24 days -- and then we wonder why we feel so empty on the 26th, amid ribbons and wrapping paper and our best intentions.

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

And that is why Advent is so important to Christmas.

I'm as guilty as the next harried person. This Advent was particularly tricky because just six hours before it started, I was still trying to finish a 110,000-word novel that was written over the course of the year -- written while homeschooling my kids, keeping my hubby happy, and generally making sure the house didn't fall down around us.

It's an understatement to say my free time is limited. But waiting adds meaning, and Advent is crucial to Christmas, so I've devised several Advent traditions that are simple, powerful and easy to keep even amid the seasonal rush.

When my kids outgrew the simple Advent calendars around age 7, I stole an idea from my writer friend Shelly Ngo (as T.S. Eliot said, "Mediocre writers borrow. Great writers steal." Indulge me.)

Here's how it goes: Find 24 great Christmas books, wrap them individually and place then under the tree. On the first day of Advent, take turns picking which book to open. When we did this, we would cuddle under a blanket and read aloud -- oh, the wonder, the magic! We savored "The Polar Express," howled with "How Murray Saved Christmas," and fell silent at the end of "The Tale of The Three Trees" (note: some of the picture books I chose were not explicitly about Christmas but they always echoed the message that Jesus came to earth to save us from ourselves and to love us beyond our wildest imagination. In that category, Angela Hunt's retelling of The Three Trees definitely hits the Yuletide bull's eye).

This Advent tradition lasted for about five years. It gave us rich daily discussions about the season's real meaning, without being religious or legalistic, and it increased family couch time. But like the lift-the-flap calendars, my kids outgrew the picture books.

Because the wait adds meaning, and Advent is crucial, I prayed for another way to celebrate anticipation of Christmas. By the grace of God, last year I found an enormous Advent calendar on clearance at Pottery Barn. Made of burlap, it has large pockets big enough to hold some serious bounty.

But my husband and I didn't want the kids focusing only on the materialist stuff for Advent -- we already fight that on Christmas day. We decided to fill the daily pockets with simple necessities and small gift cards. We also printed out the nativity story from Luke 2:1-21 in a large-sized font and cut each verse out. From Day 1 to Day 21, there is one verse to read aloud. The kids memorize it, then get to open their present (again, on alternating days for each person). Then we tape the verse to the wall in order. By Day 22, all the verses are on the wall, in order, and the kids now try to recite the entire nativity story from memory. That's not as difficult as it sounds because they've been memorizing one verse each day. Still, the entire recitation -- verbatim -- usually requires Day 23 and Day 24. Whoever does memorize the entire thing -- without mistakes -- earns a bonus gift of $25.

Does that sounds extravagant?

It is.

Because we want our kids to understand that God came down and humbled himself and taught us about love right before He suffered and died on behalf of the undeserving -- which is every one of us.

"That's" extravagant.

And in the waiting, we find even more meaning.

***

Sibella Giorello writes the Raleigh Harmon mystery series which won the Christy Award with its first book "The Stones Cry Out." She lives in Washington state with her husband and children, and often wishes there were 36 hours in a day.

The LG Doubleplay

2011-12-14T16:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Christmas is just over a week away and there is still several more shopping days available. The LG DoublePlay™ from T-Mobile would make the perfect gift for your teenager, parent, grandparent, a friend, or an employee. The LG Doubleplay has a wonderful touch screen with a 3.5 inch main display and a 2 inch sub display along with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and Swype for easy texting. I know that sending text messages to your love ones and keeping your Social Networking updated can be time consuming, resulting in several hours lost each day that you could have spent with your family. With the LG Doubleplay you can save time by letting users multitask. Now you can check your Facebook at the same time you are texting, emailing, or just surfing the net.

The LG Doubleplay has an added bonus - a 5-megapixel with LED flash and a 720p HD video recorder, allowing your capture those holiday moments and share them with family and friends. There are multiple messaging options, like "Cloud Text" and "Group Text", giving each user the option of sending text messages through a PC or Tablet, or create group chats that last longer than every before. LG Doubleplay contains Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with access to the Android Market. Users can customize by using the seven house screens and up to nine touchscreen shortcuts. With the unique spilt QWERTY keyboard and the amazing duel touchscreens, the LG Doubleplay is the greatest social networking and multi-tasking handset on the market.

If you have a few minute scomment the answers to the following questions:

How many hours a day do you spend texting or social networking on your phone? How do you think the LG Doubleplay would change your texting or social networking?

12 Pearls of Christmas - Suzanne Woods Fisher

2011-12-14T00:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

A Christmas of Kindness
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

"You can give without loving, but you can¹t love without giving." Amish proverb

I do it every year.

I plan for a simpler, less stressful Christmas season and, every year, by Christmas Eve I'm exhausted! After our delicious and very-time-consuming-to-make traditional Swedish meal to honor my husband¹s relatives (think: Vikings), it's time to head to church. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the last few Christmas Eve's, I have sent my husband and kids head off without me. The pull to spend an hour of quiet in the house feels as strong as a magnet.

It's odd. My children are young adults now. Wouldn't you think that Christmas would be simpler? Instead, it's just the opposite. Jugging schedules to share the grandbaby with the in-laws, trying to include our elderly parents at the best time of day for them, dancing carefully around recently divorced family members whose children are impacted by the shards of broken relationships.

The thing is: you can simplify your to-do list, but you can't really simplify people. We are just a complicated bunch.
Here's where I borrow a lesson about simplicity from the Amish. It's easy to get distracted with the buggies and the bonnets and the beards, but there's so much more to learn from these gentle people if you're willing to look a little deeper.

Yes, they live with less "stuff" and that does make for a simpler, less cluttered life. But it's the reason behind it that is so compelling to me: they seek to create margin in their life. Not just empty spacebut space that is available to nourish family, community, and faith. Their Christmas is far less elaborate than yours or mine, but what they do fill it with is oh so right.

Christmas comes quietly on an Amish farmhouse. There is no outward sign of the holiday as we know it: no bright decorations, no big tree in the living room corner. A few modest gifts are waiting for children at their breakfast place settings, covered by a dishtowel. Waiting first for Dad to read the story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke. Waiting until after a special breakfast has been enjoyed. Waiting until Mom and Dad give the signal that the time has come for gifts.

Later, if Christmas doesn't fall on a Sunday, extended family and friends will gather for another big meal. If time and weather permits, the late afternoon will be filled with ice skating or sledding. And more food! Always, always an abundance of good food. Faith, family, and community. That is the focus of an Amish Christmas.

And it's also how the story begins for A Lancaster County Christmas, as a young family prepares for Christmas. A winter storm blows a non-Amish couple, Jaime and C.J. Fitzpatrick, off-course and into the Riehl farmhouse. An unlikely and tentative friendship develops, until the one thing Mattie and Sol hold most dear disappears and then. Ah, but you¹ll just have to read the story to find out what happens next. Without giving anything away, I will say that I want to create a Mattie-inspired margin this Christmas season. Mattie knew inconveniences and interruptions that come in the form of people (big ones and little ones!) are ordained by God. And blessed by God.

Creating margin probably means that I won't get Christmas cards out until the end of January, and my house won't be uber-decorated. After all, something has to give. But it will mean I make time for a leisurely visit with my dad at his Alzheimer's facility. And time to volunteer in the church nursery for a holiday-crowded event. And time to invite a new neighbor over for coffee. Hopefully, it will mean that my energy won't get diverted by a frantic, self-imposed agenda. Only by God's agendathe essence of true simplicity.

And that includes taking time to worship Christ's coming at the Christmas Eve service. You can hold me accountable! This year, I will be there.

***

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award nominee and is the host of an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas

2011-12-13T19:17:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!

We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and more, share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.

If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers too, just email Christen and she'll send you the series.

AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your friends can enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at $450! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

***

Just a quick note before the series begins on the 14th ...

As I write this, I imagine that we are sitting at my kitchen table and chatting over a cup of coffee while familiar Christmas carols celebrate the Season. My twelve year old Chihuahua, Pongo, barks for a pinch of pound cake while my Shih Tzu, Lilly, patiently sits by the chair and waits for a crumb to fall.

My name is not Martha Stewart, and I will never receive a neighborhood beautification award. Just look at my front stoop. Yes, my never-had-time-to-carve-the-pumpkin-that-now-suffers-from-frostbite slouches next to the front door which is decorated with a Christmas wreath. I plan to roll this large orange ornament to the garbage pile tomorrow. For now, however, I will pretend that my front stoop is a contemplative modern art exhibit capturing the essence of contrast.

Actually, I love the concept of juxtaposition – placing things together that don’t seem to belong together, yet somehow ultimately make sense being paired. A personal example for me this season is the phrase: “comfort and joy.” Having just completed my manuscript for New Hope Publishers about the aftermath of grief, I fully understand the contrast of those two words. How can comfort bring joy? How can one find joy in loss?

Perhaps, dear reader, you have experienced loss this year – loss of a loved one, loss of friendship, loss of health, loss of financial security, loss of trust, loss of love, or loss of direction. Even with the best intent, words of encouragement shared by others can somehow seem insufficient to address an inconsolable loss. A spoken word cannot fully restore joy to a broken heart; however the Word can. And that’s the bottom line message of Christmas! God gave us the most amazing gift: His Son - the Word of God, the Holy Comforter.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

You are not alone this Christmas, dear friend. Juxtaposed to the unexpected grit in life is the gift of God’s grace wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This year I purposely placed a pearl in the Nativity scene as a metaphoric reminder. When we place our grit into the hands of the Lord, His grace transforms our pain into a pearl.

“Joy to the world!”

Thank you so very much for sharing the JOY of the Season with us this year.

God Bless,
Margaret
@mcsweeny

***

Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs. She is the founder and director of Pearl Girls. For more information please visit www.pearlgirls.info. Margaret is fast at work on several fiction manuscripts. Her book Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. She is also the host of weekly radio show, Kitchen Chat. Connect with Margaret on Facebook or Twitter.

Review - An Amish Wedding

2011-12-06T23:58:00.001-06:00

An Amish Wedding
BY: Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, & Kelly Long
PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Nelson
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59554-921-1
Pages: 384
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

An Amish Wedding contains three stories that entwine together as three best friends plan their weddings. In “A Perfect Plan” by Beth Wiseman Priscilla excitedly awaits her wedding to Chester Lapp, but as her wedding day gets closer and closer, odd mishaps occur, challenging the couple.

“The Perfect Match” by Kathleen Fuller revolves around Naomi King, who played matchmaker for her sister, Naomi, and a few other family members and friends. She anxiously awaits her sister’s wedding, but wonders why she can’t find a husband for herself, that is until Chester’s cousin arrives for the wedding.

In “The Perfect Secret” by Kelly Long, Rose Bender, Pricilla’s best friend, is also engaged, but has doubt about her fiancé, Luke Raber.
I’m a fan of Amish fiction and I was eagerly awaiting my free copy of An Amish Wedding from Booksneeze. Unlike some of the other author combinations that have three separate stories, these three stories are linked together as three best friends deal with their relationships. My favorite character would have to be Naomi from “The Perfect Match”. I recommend the book to all fans of Amish books and clean-cut romance.

Win 500,00 Miles!

2011-12-04T02:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TravelPro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, many people will be flying home for the holidays, or taking a much needed vacation to countries like Europe, Asia, or South America. Traveling to see your families or just going on your dream vacation can be costly for any traverlier, especially around Christmas. Travelpro is famous for providing their customers with the most highest quality luggage you can buy, and now they are offering a fabulous sweepstakes for anyone that is 21 years of age or older to enter. What is the price in the sweepstakes? Well, the Grand Prize consists of 500,000 miles from the Delta SkyMiles Program and two beautiful Travelpro Rollaboard bags!

The Rollaboard bags are the perfect way to bring those family gifts and your personal items, which can be used as a carry-on luggage. That prize alone would be worth an entry. Wouldn't it be great to fly across the country and visit your long distant relative or take your spouse on a romantic getaway for free. The Grand Prize of 500,000 Miles from the Delta SkyMiles program can make that dream trip possible.

All you have to do is hop on over to the TravelPro sweepstakes and enter!

Follow Friday!

2011-12-02T21:11:00.001-06:00

Question of the week: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books? Maybe you don't like love triangles or thin plots? Tell us about it!

My Answer: I like twists & turns that I never see coming, cliffhanger endings at every chapter, and smart characters that won't bore me.

Review: Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing & Giveaway!

2011-12-01T22:43:00.001-06:00

Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing Vol. III No. 4
Edited by: Ernest Dempsey
PUBLISHED BY: Love Healing Press
PUBLISHED IN: October 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61599-128-0
Pages: 104
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

The theme for the October 2011 issue of Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing, a quarterly journal, is parenting and families. Unlike a few other parenting books that are written by non-experts, the articles in RTS are written by actual parents and experts who have go through some sort of life trauma or have helped someone with life’s obstacles. The RTS is aimed toward parents with its meaningful articles, short stories, artwork and poetry, covering such topics as safety and cyber crime, grieving, violence, metal illness, etc.

I don’t have any children, but I found the articles through RTS to be very interesting. “Parenting a High-Tech Generation” takes on the social networking and cyber bulling that today’s children live in. I thought the article was spot on with the problems kids face today and I do believe that every parent should read it. Another article that stood out for me was “Parenting Through Adversity”, in which a father is grieving for his daughter and gives advice for families about how to handle grieving. I also enjoyed the humor of “Newborn to Dad: No Multitasking!” I was surprised to find a section on reviews of books and movies aimed for the parenting and families theme. I mostly liked the simple approach of the journal. It’s not aiming toward a PHD only readers, but is aimed for anyone to read. I recommend the issue to all parents.

*I would like to thank Love Healing Press for sending me a copy to review!

To learn more about the journal visit www.RecoveringSelf.com. They are currently looking for Guest Bloggers to contribute personal stories of transformation and healing in their lives and the lives of their families.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

2 print copies of Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing
courtesy of Love Healing Press.

Open to followers of this blog with a US mailing address

Ends December 9th

No rules for this giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment.

Your comment should also include any of the above actions for additional entries and your email (EXAMPLE: coffeeramblings AT hotmail.com)

The two winners will be announced in a seperate post on December 10th.

Scrubs Could Make the Perfect Gift!

2011-11-30T14:24:00.001-06:00

If you are a doctor, nurse, or in the medical profession, you might be interested in http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/, that launched in 2005. The company is the manufacturer of scrub hats, AKA the Pony Scrub Hat with a “blue sky flare.” The company expanded their business in December 2005, but adding disposable scrub hats, men’s hats, nursing hats, and hospital uniforms. There are over 700 different fabric choices for the Pony Scrub, so you are guaranteed to find the style that bests suits you. Blue Sky Scrubs ships worldwide and has plans to go retail in Canada and the UK in the very near future. All orders that are $155 or over gets free shipping. The site now offers gift certificates and holiday scrubs which are perfect with Christmas just around the corner if you have a family member or friend in the medial field.

I enjoyed visiting the Blue Sky Scrubs website again. It is a fun, unique site to visit. The website has a new design with makes it easier to navigation and making your shopping experience the very best. The scrubs on the site are hip and stylish. Some of their other products are Pixie hat, white lab coats, medical lab coats, earrings collection, Lanyard collection and surgical scrubs.

Review - The Mirror of N'DE and Giveaway!

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-06:00

The Mirror of N’DE
BY: L.K. Malone
PUBLISHED BY: Kregel Publications
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8524-2667-4
Pages: 328
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

The Mirror of N’de is a fantasy of adventure about a young girl named Hadlay Mivana who is from the poor Ramash people whom are servants to the high class Oresed overlords. Hadlay’s life is changed when she along with a few friends are chosen to work in the Tower of the Emperor. After a few twists and turns, she befriends the Emperor’s son. Just like every other Ramash child, Hadlay has heard the great tale about the trickster Lelyeh and the Mystical mirror which caused the Ramash ancestors removal from the city of N’de. Hadlay always believed that this tale was just a simple bedtime story for kids, but then she begins to have strange dreams about an unknown Being.

While reading this novel I kept thinking about the Chronicles of Narnia and the Harry Potter books. The Mirror N’De is a new intriguing novel in the fantasy world that both children and adults will enjoy reading. The main character, Hadlay, can be a bit whiny at times, but overall she is an enjoyable character. She is a good role model for younger readers as she is only thirteen years old and takes on many challenges throughout the book by herself. The author did a wonderful job by creating a new mysterious world, but there were a few moments towards the end that I thought was a little too preachy. Despite this, I loved reading the book and I look forward to future works by L.K. Malone.

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0825426677/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0825426677&adid=19YT611JVE91SRJZHKF3

Blog Tour Schedule:

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13440685)

About the Author:

L. K. Malone is an insatiable reader who devours nearly a book a day when she isn’t writing. Favorite genres include political thrillers, historical fiction, romance, and fantasy. Some of her favorite reads include the Hunger Games series and the Harry Potter books, which inspired her to try her hand at fantasy with a Judeo-Christian twist. Malone is a Colorado native with a large extended family, which includes two lovely young women who graciously let her mentor them through the Denver Kids program, and a handsome menagerie of pets.

About the Giveaway!

To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using @litfuse) about The Mirror of N'de or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com). Easy.

Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea:

TWEET THIS: New YA fantasy - The Mirror of N'de - compelling narrative and creative characters! @litfuse RT for $50 to @amazon http://ow.ly/7AWGT

FACEBOOK THIS: Don’t miss this debut YA fantasy story: Crafting powerful narrative and creative characters, author L. K. Malone spins a compelling tale that combines exciting entertainment and the Christian story. In The Mirror of N’de, readers will empathize with the desires of an oppressed people, will anger at the affliction of a cruel adversary, and ultimately rejoice with the revelation of a Savior. Share this for a chance at $50 to Amazon.com http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13440685

Review: A Whisper of Peace

2011-11-28T10:22:00.001-06:00

A Whisper of Peace
BY: Kim Vogel Sawyer
PUBLISHED BY: Bethany House
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0785-3
Pages: 352
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

A Whisper of Peace is set near Fort Yukon, Alaska in the year 1898, and follows twenty-one year old Lizzie Dawson who lives alone in a cabin after her mother’s death. Her father was a trapper and married her mother who was from a tribe. The tribe didn’t see eye to eye with their marriage and her mother was banned from the tribe. Lizzie wants to reconcile with her maternal family before she heads to San Francisco to reunite with her father. She soon befriends Vivian Selby who teaches her how to survive in a big city. Vivian along with her brother, Clay, are missionaries and their goal is to help the local tribes.

I have enjoyed reading other novels by Kim Vogel Sawyer, but I had trouble reading A Whisper of Peace. The picture of the woman on the book cover doesn’t represent Lizzie from the book as she is suppose to be mixed race. I wished the book focused more on Lizzie than on Clay and Vivian, as I liked her character more. I didn’t care for Clay at all. I thought the character was shallow and could have been written better. I did like the Alaskan setting and the conflict between Lizzie and her family. If you are a fan of Alaska romance novels, then you might enjoy A Whisper of Peace. The book is alright, but I was a little disappointed in it.

* I would like to thank Bethany House for sending me a copy to review.

About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of more than twenty novels, including many CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Carol Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in Central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren. To learn more about upcoming books, visit her website at www.kimvogelsawyer.com.

Review - Out of Control

2011-11-28T00:03:00.001-06:00

Out of Control
BY: Mary Connealy
PUBLISHED BY: Bethany House
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0911-6
Pages: 329
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Book one in the Kincaid Brides series is set during the Colorado Territory in 1866, where Rafe Kincaid stumbles upon an injured Julia Gilliland in a cave. Someone had cut her rope ladder and left her stranded until Rafe rescued her, breaking his personal vow never to go back into the cave again. Julia is glad to be rescued, but is even more happy to have found a fossil in the cave, in which she plans on going back. She is fascinated in geology and wants to explore the mysterious cave, while Rafe must face his past. This is a love story, so naturally the two characters fall for each other.

I have read several novels by Mary Connealy and I would have to say Out of Control is one of her best, filled with an interesting plot and characters that you’ll actually care about. The cavern is big part of the mystery and part of Rafe’s deadly past. The story is fast paced, as I read the novel quickly. I highly recommend Out of Control to all romance readers.

*I would like to thank Bethany House for sending me a copy to review.

About the Author:

Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner and a Rita Award Finalist. An author, journalists, and teacher, she lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters - Jose, married to Matt; Wendy; Shelly, married to Aaron; and Katy - and two spectacular grandchildren, Elle and Isaac. Readers can learn more about Mary and her upcoming books at:

maryconnealy.com
mconnealy.blogspot.com
seekerville.blogspot.com
petticoatsandpistols.com

Follow Friday

2011-11-11T22:28:00.001-06:00

Question of the Week: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran’s Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.

My Answer: I don't know anyone that is a solider, nor do I have a fictional character that is a solider as I don't read war books.

New Zealand Removal Companies

2011-11-11T01:43:00.001-06:00

Whether you are getting ready to move your family to a new home, or you’re moving your office to a new building, planning the move can be a huge hassle and time consuming. Over at RemovalCompanies.co.nz you can search through their large database of reputed removalist companies throughout New Zealand. RemovalCompanies.co.nz is from the brilliant makers of Movers.com, online since 1994, where you can search for free removal quotes from up to six top licensed moving companies. You can search for removal companies by regions - Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, East Cape, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Walkato, Wellington, and the West Coast.

RemovalCompanies.co.nz was created to cater to all the removal and moving needs of people/families moving or business owners traveling to or from the beautiful land of New Zealand. Besides from the list of movers, you are given useful tools and guides such as Home Moving Checklist, Office Mover Checklist, Change of Address, Visa & Immigration Guides, Top Cities by Regions, Getting a Moving Estimate, Fundamentals of Moving, The Right Mover for You guide, More Economics and Budgeting, Office Relocations - The Do’s and Don’ts, and New Zealand - Know More. There are also helpful links for your aid, like the official sites of the Government, Immigration, Transport, Tourism, and Business.

If you are planning a move to New Zealand, I recommend visiting RemovalCompanies.co.nz to find the perfect movers for your needs. If you don’t live in New Zealand, but are planning on moving there, you should check out the International Movers and get a free quote!

.Personal Finance: Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

2011-11-09T00:30:00.000-06:00

.PersonalFinance: Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

by Jen Mathis

Personal finance education isincredibly important, but this knowledge seems to have taken the backburner in our education system. The truth is that when personalfinance is taught early, serious financial problems can be avoided.Most children learn their financial habits from their parents, and iftheir parents have poor financial habits, they will be more likely togrow up accepting that debt is normal and unavoidable. With the righttools, these children could learn the right way to handle money andget the best financial advice for their future.

If a person learns the correct way tomanage money when they are very young, then they will be much morestern with their finances in the future. It may be too late if astudent waits until college to learn about their personal finances.Student loans and the improper use of credit cards during theircollege years could cause these students to fall into massive debt.They expect that they are going to get a job when they graduate, andthey think that they will make much more money than they will inreality. Without a solid knowledge of how they should manage money,they won’t be able to find their way out of debt.

The basics of personal finance shouldbe taught in schools across the country, and the programs shouldinclude a variety of topics. Every student should know the meaning ofand be able to apply topics such as opportunity cost, frugality,spending below their means, debt reduction, investing, and studentloan consolidation, just to name a few. All of these topics, andmore, are important to learn before these students have a chance tolet their finances get out of control.

For some readers, it may be too late tolearn how to manage money, but you should know that it is not toolate for you to take control of your finances. Everyone who does nothave a solid financial foundation should learn all they can abouttheir options. If you have made poor credit decisions in the past andnow your credit score is less than satisfactory, there are many waysyou can improve it and move on to a better financial future. Use someof the following tips to help improve your credit score.

Get a new credit card – As long as you can manage your credit, having a credit card will help you improve your score. If you use any of your credit during the month, you should pay it off as soon as you possibly can. Holding a balance on your card from month to month will actually lower your credit score. If you aren’t able to qualify for a regular card, try applying for a secured credit card or a retail credit card instead (as long as they will report your payments to all three credit bureaus).
Pay off all of your current cards – Lenders will be impressed when there is a wide gap between your credit limit and the amount of credit you are currently using. Try to get your balance below 30% of the credit limit for each card and you will see an improvement. Below 10% will be even better, and having no balance will always be best.
Use your cards sparingly – Obviously, in order to keep your card balance down, you will need to use them less. Only use your credit cards when you know that you will be able to pay off the purchase amount immediately.
Take out a loan – Your credit will improve when you can show that you are responsible with both revolving credit (credit cards) and installment credit (personal, auto, or student loans as well as mortgages). When you take out a small personal loan and pay it back over time, you will prove to the credit bureaus that you can be trusted with credit.
Dispute errors – If there are errors or outdated information on your credit report, it could severely affect your credit score. Look over your credit report carefully, and dispute any negative information that is old or false.

Jen Mathis is an author who writesguest posts on the topics of business, credit cards, and personalfinance. Additionally, she works for a website that focuses oneducating readers about credit cards for people with fair credit.

Investing in Your Vision With Eyeglasses Online

2011-11-08T09:19:00.002-06:00

If it's been over two years since you last bought a new pair of glasses, the time has come to invest in a new pair. "Investing" is usually something we do with money but isn't it time we "invest" in our vision? They say hindsight is 50/50 but what will you do if your vision gives out? Now's the time to start taking care of your eyes and it doesn't have to be the grueling process it was in the past.

You can save time and money by taking your business online. That's right, you can now buy eyeglasses online for less than you would at your local eye doctor. Companies like GlassesUSA.com are helping customers make the switch and they're succeeding. Over 60% of the adult population needs eyeglasses or contacts and many of them wait too long on getting an updated prescription. With stores like GlassesUSA making it easier and more convenient to buy glasses online, it makes you wonder why someone would wait!

Now is a great time to check out GlassesUSA and take advantage of their Fall Sale. From now until November 13th, 2011 you can take 50% off any eyeglass frame. That's right, their whole collection of eyeglass and sunglass frames are half off and they come with free single vision standard lenses but upgrades are also available at an additional cost. To take advantage of this sale, just use the code Fall50 and the discount will be deduced from the price of the frame during check out.

Not sure if you're ready to invest that quickly? No worries - you can take 10% off any final order of prescription glasses with the code Blog10.

With awesome promotions like this, it's hard to wonder why someone would still shop offline! GlassesUSA also makes it easier to shop online with helpful guides and expert customer service representatives on hand to answer your questions, it's easy to see why shopping online is more convenient.

This post was paid for and sponsored by GlassesUSA.com.

Untitled Jersey City Project Episode 1

2011-11-07T09:03:00.001-06:00

This post brought to you by Untitled Jersey City Project. All opinions are 100% mine.
I hopped over to YouTube and watched the first Episode of the Untitled Jersey City Project for FX. It is only two minutes long, but I was instantly intrigue by the shows mysterious premise. The opening shows a Ray jumping or being pushed from a building, and then jumps a few minutes backwards, showing a couple a sleep. They are sudden awaken by a phone call. Frank is startled by the phone call and so is his girlfriend/wife (I really don't know who she is.) is too. They throw on their clothes and race to building. Frank gets out to inspect the body in a pool of blood on the ground. He knows who the man is. Out of nowhere several men in suits watch as police officers (maybe security guards) surround the man. He has been setup. But by who?

For a video being under two minutes, there is a lot going on. I keep wondering if the man that jumped was related to the couple, maybe a brother, brother-in-law, or a business partner. There are eight short-form episodes that are part of a much bigger story of a work-in-progress television drama. I have enjoyed other FX dramas and this one looks just as good. I recommend everyone to check out the video.

How to Get the Perfect Cup of Coffee at the Office

2011-11-05T16:02:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tassimo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you getting tired of your boring cup of of coffee at the office? Or is the brew too weak or too strong? Then it is probably time that your office invest into a more advanced coffee machine, like the Tassimo Professional T-300. Unlike regular coffee makers where you have to measure out how much you coffee grounds you want, the Tassimo Pro uses T-Discs. Each disc has a double -bar brew codes in which Tassimo Pro automatically adjusts the temperature, time and the correct amount of water to give you the perfect cup of coffee. The T-Discs are only compatible with Tassimo Professional machines, so you will no longer have to worry about employees stealing the coffee can. Using the one-touch activation creates your specialty beverages in less than two minutes. You'll have access to real-time LCD instructions for easy prep, cleaning, and maintenance.

With the Tassimo Pro, you'll no longer have to get your coffee from a expensive coffee shop. You can now have quality tasting cappuccinos and lattes with Gevalia espresso and real milk creamer. Premium brands are available with the Tassimo Pro, including Euro-style Gevalia espressos and coffees, rich and creamy Suchard hot chocolate, and the wonderful Twining tea.

I would love to have a Tassimo Pro brewing my ritual morning coffee, as my current coffee maker doesn't quite get it right. If you are interested in the Tassimo Pro, you can sign up for a FREE office demo! You can sign up at Tassimo Professional free demo.

Review - His Steadfast Love

2011-11-02T00:14:00.000-05:00

His Steadfast Love

BY: Golden Keyes Parsons

PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Nelson
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59554-629-6
Pages: 331
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Set on the Gulf Coast of Texas in 1861, Amanda plans of keeping the promise she kept to her dying mother - to never get married, to never get hurt. Her plans change when she meets the handsome Captain Kent Littlefield, and he is instantly attracted to her as well. Situations become rocky when Texas leaves the Union and Amanda’s brother, Daniel, joins the Confederate States. Her love, Kent, is a union solider, and now Amanda is torn between the two men that she loves greatly.

With the dazzling cover setting the mood for this Civil War novel, I was intrigue to be beginning reading His Steadfast Love, which is a well-written and wonderfully plotted romantic novel, reminding of the North and South trilogy. I recommend the book to fans of romance and historical novels. It’s a great read.

*I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for sending me a copy to review.

About the Author:

Golden Keyes Parsons is the author of the highly acclaimed Darkness to Light series. She's been nominated for several awards, including the ACFW Book of the Year. She and her family live in Texas.

Guest post with author Nancy Brophy

2011-11-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

What Do Readers Want?

by Nancy Brophy

Comma’s are thebane of my existence. No matter whether I’m putting them in orleaving them out, I’m wrong. I’ve come to accept this when myfriends ask, “Have you considered buying a book on punctuation?”

Comments abound onwriter’s loops about the horror of Indie-pubbed authors not puttingout perfect books. Even if you, like I, have someone edit for errorsthey still turn up. Frankly, formatting was invented by the devil.But the question isn’t about the formatting of the book. No onewriting a critique praises perfect punctuation.

The real questionis what do readers want?

They don’t wantto trip over grammatical and punctuation errors. We all know that. Noone is striving to write poorly. But readers for the most part aren’treading to critique, they are reading because they want a good story.

More than anythingelse a reader wants to feel emotion. The stories we carry with us arethe ones where the character resonated with us. Maybe it wasn’t thegreatest story ever written, but we read it at exactly the rightmoment in our life. I read Little Women probably around the time Iwas nine or ten. For a long time, the story was my favorite going sofar as to motivate me to become a writer. But I reread Little Womenas an adult. What a preachy, self-serving novel. How could I haveliked so much as a child? Because I loved Jo.

Our goal as writersis to evoke emotion in the reader. When we think of Scarlett O’Hara,Frodo Baggins, or Harry Potter we think of people we’ve helpedovercome obstacles. Through identification with the characters, theirfight is also our fight.

We, as writers,have to make their quest the best possible challenge. Your characterhas to face insurmountable odds and be willing to give everything. Ifthe character holds back, the reader’s participation will skid to ahalt.

In Titanic, theheroine leapt from the lifeboat onto the sinking ship to save thehero. This resonated with young girls. The heroine gave her all.Older women in the audience, many of whom could author a book,called, “What I Did for Love” may have thought the heroine was afool, but we weren’t the ones who saw the movie fifteen times.

The reader mustconnect with the characters on page one. And this is craft - theheart of a good story. Because evoking emotion is not through angst,but though technique. Give your characters a quest they can’trefuse with a ticking time bomb in the background. Show me the story,don’t tell it to me. Make your setting work. Who can’t pictureTara, or Mordor or Hogswart? Utilize the five senses to draw me in.

I am reader as wellas a writer. I, too, want a good story. In Hell On The Heart,Czigany Romney is perfectly happy.Yes, she’dhave liked to have graduated high school, perhaps even attendedcollege and become a CSI rather than working for her father and Uncleas an asthmatic sidekick. But leaving Armadillo Creek would beimpossible. A gypsy without family would be like a ship without arudder - directionless, unable to function.

AgentJohn Stillwater's scarred face reflects the life of man dedicated toprotecting his country. Currently his team is dealing with anationwide white slavery ring, but lack evidence to prove it. Anunusual set of circumstances in a nowhere town in Texas leads John toinvestigate. Can a petite gypsy woman bring down a man the FBI can'tfind?

Iwould love to hear your comments.

Author Bio

NancyBrophy grew up reading and writing.

Herimaginary friends have rich, larger-than-life lives with definitebeginnings, snappy middles, and above all, happy endings. Herpersonal life is never as clearly defined. Beginnings are hard tolocate. A new job, a school term, a family event like a death orwedding might signal the start of something new, but it’s neverheralded with any fanfare. It appears as just another link in thechain.

Shelives in the beautiful, green and very wet Northwest with herhusband, two naughty dogs, PB and J, and forty rowdy chickens.

Likeall marriages they’ve had their ups and downs, more good times thanbad. Most recently they spent fourteen nail-biting months living inan apartment while their house was rebuilt from a house-fire in 2010.In the process she have acquired an in-depth knowledge of kitchencabinets, bathroom plumbing fixtures and leaking roofs. If thiswriting thing doesn’t work out, she plans to investigate becoming acontractor who specializes in on-time, under-budget remodels. Thereis a fortune to be made by the builder who can deliver on hispromises.

Herstories are about pretty men and strong women, about families thatdon’t always work and about the joy of finding love and thedifficulty of making it stay.

http://www.Nancybrophy.com

http://seejanepublish.wordpress.com

Sweet Gifts for the Holidays!

2011-10-31T16:16:00.001-05:00

The holiday season is upon us, which means there are less than eight shopping weeks left. Coming up with a perfect gift doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes the best present is something as simple as a box of sweet candy. Over at See’s Candies you can receive a five dollar gift card with a thirty-five dollar purchase of any of their great items. See’s Candies was founded back in 1921 and their friendly old-fashioned service continues today. They make over 100 varieties of candy with the finest raw ingredients from all over the world. See’s Candies headquarters are in Los Angeles and South San Francisco, where they deliver the chocolate goodies to their 200 plus stores. That is a lot of candy!

While visiting their site, I could easily find the categories for all the sweets on the main homepage. They sell gift baskets, chocolate assortments, milk chocolate (my favorite), dark chocolate, nuts & chews, brittles & toffees, pops & candies, candy bars, sugar free candy, Kosher, gift cards, and other incredible merchandise. You can also shop by occasions, like - fall gifts, party favors, birthday gifts, holiday gifts, and wedding favors.

After reading about all their bestselling items, like Little Pops and Peppermint Twist, I am defiantly getting in the holiday shopping mood. If you know someone that is a little bit picky about their candy, you can make your own custom chocolate box, in which have 116 varieties to choose from, starting at twenty dollars. If you’re on a budget, there is plenty of candy under ten dollars. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to See’s Candy online shop and I know you will too.

13 Days of Halloween: CDF: Sons of Destiny Review

2011-10-31T01:28:00.000-05:00

Cirque Du Freak: Sons of Destiny

BY: Darren Shan

PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2006
ISBN: 0-316-15629-9
Pages: 240
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In this 13th and final installment of the Cirque Du Freak series, the time has finally come for Darren to fight his ex-best friend, Steve Leopard. Darren reunites his nephew with his sister, Annie. He learns that Mr. Tall was Mr. Tiny’s son. In addition, even shocking news is that Darren and Steve are half-brothers. Their really father is actually Mr. Tiny. In addition, Mr. Tiny is the father of Evans.

One last fight occurs and Steve stabs Darren and kills him. Darren finds himself in the lake of souls. He has been turned into a little person just like Harkat. Darren is given a chance to go back in time to the night he first saw the Cirque Du Freak perform. Will he change his destiny?

It is hard to describe the final book. There are many twists and turns thrown in that at times make it confusing. I thought it was a little silly to have Mr. Tiny have several children. Despite its flaws, the ending is bittersweet.

13 Days of Halloween: CDF: Lord of the Shadows Review

2011-10-30T01:16:00.000-05:00

Cirque Du Freak: Lord of the Shadows
BY: Darren Shan
PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2005
ISBN: 0-316-15628-0
Pages: 220
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Darren Shan returns to his home time. He learns that his parents have moved away. His sister is now grown and has a child of her own. He runs into and old friend, Tommy, who is later murdered. He soon learns that the Lord Vampanese, Steve, in is in town after more murders occur. Steve now has a child named Darious.

Debbie and Alice Burgess is town too. They are helping the vampires build their army. Darren, Harkat, and the women go to the Cirque Du Freak. Vancha March later joins them. Mr. Tall, the owner of the Cirque Du Freak, told them no matter who won the war, an evil dictator known as the Lord of the Shadows would rise, rule and destroy the world.

Two of Steve’s men, R.V. and Morgan James, attack the Cirque and kills several of Darren’s friends.

This is one of the better sequels. I am glad to see that the author brought back Darren’s sister. I must warn you that a few characters die in this installment, leading up to the shocking cliffhanger.

13 Days of Halloween: CDF: The Lake of Souls Review

2011-10-29T01:22:00.000-05:00

Cirque Du Freak: The Lake of Souls
BY: Darren Shan
PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2005
ISBN: 0-316-15627-2
Pages: 265
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

This is the tenth and longest book in the series. After the murder of, Mr. Crepsley, Darren and Harket return to the Cirque Du Freak. Darren sends Debbie and Alice Burgess to Vampire Mountain where they can be safe from Steve and his army of Vampanese.

Mr. Tiny tells Darren it is time for him to help Harket find out who he is. They journey to a barren waste world to discover Harket’s previous identity.

This book could be written in less than fifty pages but instead is dragged out to two hundred and 265. I found it hard to get through. There are a few twists and turns to keep you interested, but I do not recommend this book. It is the worse in the series.

Friday Hops

2011-10-28T18:03:00.000-05:00

http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/10/book-blogger-hop-1028-1031.html

Question of the week: What is your favorite Halloween costume?Even if you don’t celebrate, what kinds of costumes do you like?

My answer: I haven't dressed up from Halloween since I was in fifth grade, but I would have to say my favorite costume was just a hockey mask.

Question of the week: If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?

My Answer. I would like to have dinner with the vampire Pam from the Sookie Stackhouse novels. I would eat grilled chicken while Pam is sipping on a bottle of TrueBlood.

13 Days of Halloween: CDF: Killers of the Dawn Review

2011-10-28T01:09:00.000-05:00

Cirque Du Freak: Killers of the Dawn
BY: Darren Shan
PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2003
ISBN: 0-316-15626-4
Pages: 208
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Picking up where the previous book left off, Darren, Mr. Crepsley, Vancha and Harket on the hunt of the vampaneze through the cities tunnels. The police and an angry mob are also hunting them.

The police chief inspector, Alice Burgess briefly integrates Darren. SThen she is kidnapped by the vampanese. Darren and friends must battle the vampanese and their lord, Steve.

The first half of this book is boring. The action picks up in the second half leading to another cliffhanger. I did not care for the ending.

13 Days of Halloween - King of the Merge Giveaway

2011-10-27T08:35:00.002-05:00

I would like to thank author John Hansen for the following guest post. For more information on his work visit his blog at http://incessantdroningofaboredwriter.wordpress.com/.

Blurb:

WilliamBrookshire is just a simple college student, out collecting a coupleof items for a late night rendezvous with the girl who used to be thelove of his life, when a spontaneous street race turns his lifeupside down.

Heknows it isn’t his fault when the driver of the Porsche runs a redlight, knows it isn’t his fault when the driver dies of theinjuries he sustained during the horrible accident, but William justcan’t make himself believe he is completely free of fault. And whena vision of the driver starts appearing in his room, starts stalkinghim around campus, it threatens to drive him mad.

WhyBother?

BradleyConvissar is an AMAZING horror author. He has this way of telling astory so dramatically and effectively it really compels you to readon. Being a big fan of his books, I am so excited to host this bookfor a giveaway. It was released only yesterday! If you would like tosee how much I love this author, read my review of Dogs of War, whichis currently my favorite indie book of horror.http://incessantdroningofaboredwriter.wordpress.com/2011/09/03/book-review-dogs-of-war/Why else should you enter? Well, the book is being offered for freefor goodness sake’s! Doesn’t that intrigue you, at all?

BradleyConvissar has promised to giveaway three copies of this horrornovella in honor of Halloween. That means three lucky winners! Besure to enter before the giveaway’s closing on the 31st!

Howto Enter:

Iwanted to make this simple and easy, so here are the requirements. Toenter all you must do is leave a comment on this blog post or my blogpost(http://incessantdroningofaboredwriter.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/spooktacular-giveaway-hop-king-of-the-merge-by-bradley-convissar/)with your email address, stating that you have followed therequirements, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. The requirements areas follows:

a)You must follow my blog –http://incessantdroningofaboredwriter.wordpress.com– if you haven’t already

b)Follow my twitter – @ABoredAuthor – if you haven’t already andif you have a twitter account

c)If you are one of the three lucky winners, Bradley would reallyappreciate a review of his book.

Simpleenough, right?

Bradleyalso wanted me to share this with you, a screenshot of King of theMerge at its height in sales. It reached the number 21 bestseller inhorror ebooks on Amazon! So to see what all of the buzz is about, besure to enter in this giveaway! And now for my brief review:

Asone may say, “Bradley Convissar strikes again”. This was aninteresting, different novella, one that I have never read anythinglike. It was creepy and compelling at the same time and I read it inonly the two sittings. The one thing that I disliked about this book,however, was all of the unnecessary obscenity throughout it. I hatethat in books and I found myself coming across a number of “TMI”moments and saying to myself, “really Bradley? Do you really haveto say that?” In my humble opinion, this book would be much betterif given a thorough cleansing and I am sure many of you would agree.That being said, this was still a great book. I enjoyed theprotagonist and his internal conflict with the specter… that wasway cool. I was also intrigued by his awkward relationship with his“friend” and the revelation at the end really got me. This was auneasy, chilling horror novella that I believe you all would enjoy.It is not gory or frightening or action-packed. It is… different…but in such a good way! Although this is not Bradley’s best book,it was an enjoyable, creepy read that is perfect for a Halloweengiveaway like this one!

Billy Blanks PT 24/7 Giveaway!

2011-10-26T23:40:00.000-05:00

The blog Laughing Lindsay is having a great giveaway of Billy Blanks PT 24/7 set.

http://laughinglindsay.com/2011/10/billy-blanks-pt-247-workout-dvd-giveaway/

13 Days of Halloween - Halloween Night Review

2011-10-26T22:30:00.000-05:00

It’s late at night and I’m attempting to get this new Halloween post written as I have almost completely forgotten about it. Today’s post will be a short review on the 1993 Point Horror Classic by R.L. Stine, one of the most best-selling writers of children books. I first read the book back in middle school, but somehow, somewhere, I have misplaced the book. Over the years, thanks to thrift stores, I have obtained not only one copy, but two. The cover features a creepy jack-o-lantern, which is completely different than the cover I found online to use with this post, with a butcher knife sticking out of it, reminding me of the beginning credits of the horror movie, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Meyers.

With Halloween several days away, teenager Brenda Morgan is planning a Halloween party with her friends, Traci and Dina, but they are also planning on something much deadlier - murdering Brenda’s cousin, Halley! Her cousin moved in with Brenda's family because her parents are going through a nasty divorce, but she keeps interfering in Brenda’s life, stealing away Brenda's boyfriend, Ted, and she keeps borrowing the car without asking first. Of course, the girls aren’t really planning a murdering Halley. Their just using her name for a character in a murder mystery short story for class, at least that is what they originally planned.

Strange things begin to happen to Brenda as Halloween nears, blood is smeared on her bedroom wall, a headless bird is left in a pumpkin, and chunks of rotten meat are left in her bed. Is Halley responsible for all this?

Halloween Night is a sweet, quick read. The plot is well written and the bitterness Brenda has for Halley is believable, reminding me of how I felt about a few relatives at the age. There are several twist and turns throughout the book, including a stabbing at the party. It’s a great read to get you into the Halloween mood.

The Medicare Consumer Guide

2011-10-26T01:44:00.000-05:00

With rising cost of insurance, and everything else, in the Untied States it is important to knowledgeable about all insurance and medical programs that are currently out there so you can find the best to fit you and your family’s needs. The Medicare Consumer Guide website uses a simple approach in educating people of 65 or older about healthcare. Right, front and center, on the main page, you’ll find the top six services and plans, not to mention the current Medicare news. Staying healthy should be your number one priority, so picking the best plan can be time consuming, but you can easily save time by visiting the site. I instantly noticed that the time to enroll into the Medicare program is between October 1 and December 7. I wasn’t aware of the different Medicare benefits that are currently available, including Part A Hospital Coverage; Part B Medical Insurance; Part C Medicare Advantage Plan; and Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

If you know someone that is the age 65 or over, someone under 65 with a disability, or someone at any age with End-Stage Renal Disease, you might want to inform them about the benefits of Medicare. Medicare Part D will help, if not all, in cost of their prescription drugs, can help lower the cost and possibly help protect against higher costs in the near future.

The Medicare Consumer Guide website is once source for accurate and updated Medicare information. Whether you have a loved one or need healthcare for yourself, you will easily find if you are eligible for the program. It is wise to educate yourself with the current healthcare system. Even though I’m only 30, I was glad I visited the site and brushed up on the facts.

13 Days of Halloween: Excerpt from Day of Revenge

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from Day of Revenge

by Deanna Proach

In the center of the city square, between the tall buildings and the Seine River stands the guillotine. Its wooden scaffold is tall—more than three feet higher than Henri’s head. A set of stairs lead up to the scaffold. Perpendicular to the base of the tall frame lays a six foot long plank where the condemned are forced to lay. Two sets of leather belts, attached to either side of the low plank, are used to tie them down to prevent them from escaping. A large basket stands on the opposite side of the platform to catch the heads when they fall. The basket and the scaffold surrounding the frame is painted red with the victims’ blood, and the large bloodstain on the triangular blade is a gruesome symbol of revolutionary justice.
The guillotine’s frame and heavy blade is visible to all. Any person looking out of his or her fourth-story apartment within the surrounding area can easily see the blade rise and fall each day.
Henri seethes when he sees a group of women set up wooden chairs around the guillotine’s scaffold. Well, Citoyen Robespierre is preparing for another mass murder and those old bitches can’t wait to see that cursed instrument be put to use.

I wonder what it would be like to be inside a revolutionary tribunal in France at that time...

The large chamber is filled with people to the point where no empty seat is to be found. Most of the people are Jacobin members; but a small number of peasants, tradesmen, merchants, and even priests, who had renounced their Catholic faith, are present. The wives of Jacobin members are the only women permitted to sit in the hearing of the trials. All of these women express their denunciations of the accused by spitting on them and shouting “Off with their heads.” One woman even carries a miniature guillotine and shows it to her group of friends. She rises and drops the tiny blade while laughing and mocking the imminent fate of the accused. “May the traitors burn in hell forever,” she shouts over and over again. Wooden guillotine earrings dangle from a number of the women’s ears.

All of the Jacobin members are clad in the revolutionary uniform—the men in blue and red carmagnole coats, plain white cotton or flannel shirts, and red and white striped slacks. All are wearing the familiar red night cap. The non-Jacobin members are clad in plain off-white flannel shirts, brown or beige trousers and frayed cotton stockings. These people, including the women, all wear a fist-sized blue, white and red cockade attached to their shirt or dress bodice. A large tri-colored ribbon extends across the entire tribunal, hung from the marble pillars on either side of the room which separates the audience from the judges and the condemned. The same ribbons also adorn the pulpit of the chief revolutionary judge Antoine-Quentin Fouquier-Tinville. Beside him on the left hand side sits Robespierre, while Robespierre’s most powerful colleagues, Citoyens Camille Desmoulins, Pierre-Gaspard Chaumette, Georges Danton, Georges Couthon and Louis de Saint-Just are seated beside the pulpit.

The large room is quite dark as it has narrow, medium sized windows situated close to the ceiling. The thick dust on the windows acts as a barrier to the daylight and since they are always closed, no fresh air enters the room to clear it of its musty smell. It is no wonder why many victims stutter or faint when they are seated before the cold and malicious Fouquier-Tinville. The loud jeers of the spectators also make the atmosphere of the tribunal room very hostile and terrifying even to the most confident and head-strong victims.

Visit Deanna Proach's at http://desstories.blogspot.com/ and http://www.deannaproach.com/.

13 Days of Halloween: Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself

by D.A Lascelles

October is the month of scary fun with Halloween marking the start of the slow decline into the dark and cold of winter. With this in mind, it is worthwhile considering what it is that fear actually is. What do we fear? Why do we fear it? How can this knowledge help a writer produce a better horror story?

Speaking purely as a physiologist, I will start by stating the obvious. Fear is a physiological reaction caused by perfectly understandable responses in our bodies to external stimuli. Certain stimuli present in the environment will trigger the secretion of particular hormones which stimulate or suppress the actions of various organs and systems. Its purpose is to allow us to recognise danger so that we may take an appropriate action – either fight or flight. This response has been more or less unchanged for millions of years. The physical bit of it, anyway. What has changed has been the psychological bit – what we are actually afraid of.

Now, the classics never change. Darkness, spiders, snakes... the common phobias will probably always get some people, darkness especially. Darkness is really a fear of the unknown, of not knowing what might be lurking out there ready to kill us and eat us. It’s an old mammalian fear from the days when we hid in holes lest the big scary monsters came to get us and human imagination takes that fear and paints on it any number of strange and wonderful images – a pile of clothes becomes the head of a monster, a coat hanging on the back of a door becomes a man waiting to attack you, the sound of the wind rustling in the trees outside takes on a sinister note. These are tropes that writers and film-makers have made much use of over the years and they work well because they speak to a deep, instinctive part of the human psyche which still thinks it should hide in holes. As a writer the fear of the unknown can be an effective tool. The best forms of horror are not the ones which go in for explicit description or gory imagery but those which are light on the description and allow the reader’s own imagination to fill in the gaps. This minimalist description is not as easy as it looks, it is not just a case of not describing something but rather of tracing in some hints of what is there and giving just enough detail to stimulate the imagination. Once you have that, the reader will do all the rest of the work themselves.

Other things that lurk in our fears do change, however. They change as we age, for example, and there are also changes in what society considers frightening. With age, there is a move away from childish fears – the ghoulies and ghosties And long-leggedy beasties And things that go bump in the night as the Scottish (or Cornish) prayer goes – to more mature things. Adult fears are more subtle and elaborate and often don’t wear such a blatant face as a warty old witch. Adults also fear more ephemeral things – war, particular nuclear war, financial troubles and the like. Things that carefree children have no fear of. As Terry Pratchett’s Death comments in Hogfather, you have to start out believing the little lies (the Tooth Fairy, Father Christmas) as practise for the big lies (truth, justice and mercy). Therefore, you can also argue that to prepare you for the big fears you have to practise on the little ones.

As for changes with history there is one example I would give for this which, I think, demonstrates how society as a whole can influence how we interpret ‘the darkness’ – what picture we paint on it to attempt to make sense of it. That example is the Succubus.

The Succubus is, as I am sure you are aware, a demon. In particular it is a demon which takes on the form of a highly eroticised female form, seduces men into having sex with them and, mid coitus, sucks out their soul. There are examples of this in literature the world over though my favourite has to be the character of Juliet in Mike Carey’s Felix Castor series of novels (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devil-You-Know-Felix-Castor/dp/1841494135) mainly because she is such a modern and interesting character for a several millennia old demon. I am also fond of Erica Hayes’s portrayal of Succubi in her novel Shadowfae (http://www.shadowfae.net/). You can even, at a stretch, consider the typical sexy female Vampire to be an example of this – though they drink blood rather than souls there is little difference to the recipient. Of course, if being fair, I cannot neglect to mention something for the ladies in the form of Incubi – the male equivalent of the Succubus which manifests as a sexy looking man. Again, quite a few urban fantasy novels of late have used Incubi, including Shadowfae again.

What is interesting about Succubi and Incubi is one of the theories of their possible origin. Imagine this: a monastery, late at night. It’s dark and you are in a tiny cell. Because of the rule of chastity, you are not allowed any sexual release and you have been told that any sexual release is evil and will have you taken to hell. Being a young man, you of course have a healthy sexual appetite which has not been satisfied for a long time. Naturally, you are going to have erotic dreams and these dreams are going to be coloured by your religious teachings which could, feasibly, cast the images of your desire into a more sinister and evil form. Now, there is a condition called Sleep Paralysis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis). One version of this condition leads to the sufferer being conscious but unable to move and subject to ‘terrifying hallucinations (hypnopompic or hypnagogic) and an acute sense of danger’. It is not impossible to imagine our poor monk, coming to consciousness in the middle of an erotic dream, unable to move while images of a demonic woman play through his head and what sort of terror this may induce.

In the modern day, however, there are rarely any reports of Sucubbi attacks and they seem to be limited to the bookshelves yet sleep paralysis is still a condition that many suffer from. What has changed is what images the human mind plays in that situation and these days it is more likely that someone who wakes in the middle of the night unable to move will report an alien abduction rather than a demonic attack. The cause of the physiological response – the paralysis – remains the same but the hallucinations have changed to fit with what society as a whole sees as a threat.

So what can the above teach a writer about fear? Well, the fact that fear changes is an important lesson to learn. What was scary to those in the medieval period may no longer be scary today. Indeed, some of the things that past generations found terrifying are now sometimes seen as ludicrous. Bram Stoker’s Dracula caused chills and thrills to his contemporary audience but now teenage girls all want to marry Vampires that sparkle. A writer needs to be aware of the zeitgeist of horror to be able to judge what can trigger those primal responses. While some things never change – our fear of the dark, for example – other things do change a lot with exposure and interpretation. Thinking carefully about what fear is and what causes it is very worthwhile.

Author Bio:

D.A Lascelles is a former clinical scientist turned teacher and part time writer. He is the author of Gods of the Sea, a short story in the Pirates and Swashbucklers Anthology from Pulp Empire (http://pulpempire.com/mag/ ), and Transistions, a paranormal romance novella due out in 2012 from Mundania Press (http://www.mundania.com/) as part of the Shades of Love Anthology.

13 Days of Halloween: The Uncanny

2011-10-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Uncanny

by Hollidae Muhammad

So it’s Halloween which means it’s the time of year where people are getting their costume’s together, celebrating everything spooky, and whether you celebrate it or not, getting ready for the Halloween and horror movie marathon that’s going to be running on about five digital channels and at least one regular cable channel. But as a writer, who observes trends quite regularly for the sake of writing, I found myself this year asking why the fascination with Halloween? What is it about this holiday that we find ourselves so fascinated with? The answer, or at least part of it, came from the Gothic and Sublime class I’m taking for the semester in school. One of the fascinating aspects of Halloween is the uncanny.

What is the uncanny? It’s something we might say when we meet a person that looks just like our dead relative, that the resemblance or familiarity is uncanny, and that’s just what the word means. Something that is uncanny is something that’s extremely familiar, that resembles something we already know, but is just different enough, just off enough to freak us out a little or makes us wary. That’s why that girl we might meet in class and looks like a dead relative makes the person uncomfortable. It’s the uncanny element of it. It’s the same principle in Halloween.

Vampires, werewolves, zombies, Frankenstein’s Creature, Jason, you name them, the thing that makes them truly horrifying (particularly in their original incarnations) is that they look similar to a normal human, but there’s something just enough wrong with them to freak us out, and it’s that fact that they almost look normal that’s the scary part. Jason on first glance is just a tall guy in a mask with a saw and how many of those do we know anyway? The thing that makes this uncanny is that he’s a dead tall guy in a mask with a saw whether he’s coming for you or not, and I think I’d run to the live one before I run to the dead one. Frankenstein’s monster, The Creature, was created to be a beautiful, strong, human being who defies the very principles of life and death. There’s only one problem… His body was created of dead body parts which aren’t so great after they’ve been sitting in a morgue with no life for a few days. Zombies are people who walk out of the grave, and I don’t think I need to explain that one. Tell you what. Go dig up a random dead relative and see if you want what’s left to get up and come knocking at your door.

Then there’s vampire and werewolves. In modern times and incarnations, they’re no less scary than they were when they were first told about in legends and with Dracula, but it seems they’ve become a bit more endearing… And while I’ll be first to admit I might be one of the ones who willing goes off with a vampire to become his bride, let’s put vampire and werewolves into perspective for a moment. We’re talking about people, who look like regular men and women during the day for the most part, who may can be the model, upstanding citizen, work and interact normally in society, and except for the fact that they may be a little scraggy looking or look like they need a good tan on a sunny beach somewhere, appear pretty normal. That is until you see the same person in the middle of the night sucking some poor soul dry of blood or peak into the backyard to see the person transforming into a wolf under the light of the full moon. It’s something like finding out the ‘nice’ man or woman next door is a registered sex offender if we want to compare the feeling.

And the thing about modern day versions of the werewolf and the vampire is that if these things were actually real, we can’t attribute anything strange to them. People go missing every day, regular men and woman do horrible and inhumane acts (Sweeny Todd anyone?), and people come in and out of cities all the time so we can’t blame it on the new guy. There are medical conditions for people who have sharp looking teeth and a little on the hairy side. If we really think about how the werewolf and the vampire can look and act so normal, they’re even more terrifying than a zombie. At least it’s obvious what you’re dealing with when it comes to zombies, but werewolves and vampire are the most uncanny of all because they’re able to blend in with regular human society and that’s a terrifying thought.

So I came to the conclusion that at least part of the reason people, myself included, enjoy Halloween and anything spooky so much is because spooky things are so much like us yet so different, its mind boggling and intriguing when we see it. Without the uncanny element of Halloween, I don’t think the holiday would be halfway as fascinating or even spooky. I mean, what’s scarier than something that used to be human, still looks human, but isn’t human?

About the Author:

Hollidae Muhammad is an aspiring writer who goes under the pen name Lady Dae on most sites and runs a blog with daily writing tips that focuses on everything She learned about writing over the years from formatting, to creative devices, plot an conflict, the biggest cliches etc. so that writers can learn from her own trial and error. ladydaewrites.blogspot.com.

World of Ink - Guest Post with Maha Huneidi

2011-10-22T00:35:00.000-05:00

Developing Characters

by Maha Huneidi

I think I found out how I developed my character in retrospect, and now that I can see it I think I reverse engineered her. When I first started writing my book, “When Monsters Get Lonely,” the last thing on my mind was character development. I just wanted to tell the story of a little girl who overcame her fear of the dark and of monsters. So my character’s greatest fear was already there. She also had a dream of becoming a movie director, so she started out as a concrete character with a dream and a fear from the very start.

I think that developing a character for a picture book is much easier than developing one for a novel. You have a limited number of words to work with, so you can’t go into detail and you have the illustrations to fill in the description of the character. I did have quite a bit of detail about the character which I had to delete because of word count, but the character immerged nevertheless.

I was afraid of the dark and of monsters as a child so the character was partly me, but when the book became about my granddaughter, the character became partly her. She was almost three at the time, so really the character was what I imagined her to be.

I think my character just developed with my understanding of how to write picture books. When I found out that the main character must resolve the problem herself, my character became strong and intelligent, because she had to understand what Grams meant when she said that we invent our lives, and she had to use her understanding to resolve her problem.

Hannah was strong enough to go back to her room, but not overly so. She asked her mom to leave the lights on, so she came through as both strong and vulnerable.

In the end to sum it all up, I think my character was real because she was

-Borrowed from real life, but I don’t think that a character should be exactly like one particular person. But then that’s the fun of writing fiction, you can make up a whole new personality.

-She had an ambition and a fear.

-She had strong traits that the reader can identify with, she was intelligent, brave, and vulnerable.

-She grew and got over her fear by resolving her own problem.

About the Author:

Maha Huneidi is a wife, mother and now grandmother, who finally found out what she wants to be when she grows up. This book is the first step of her journey. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Author Website: http://www.empowerment-and-kids.com

Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/When-Monsters-Get-Lonely/142181009193986

Publisher Website: http://www.CreateSpace.com

Places where your book(s) are available for sale: Amazon, B&N.com, Kindle, http://www.CreateSpace.com/3534677

www.Bet.com

2011-10-22T00:15:00.000-05:00

A great website that I like to visit is www.bet.com, a subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television, in which you can get all the updates on their television shows like The Game, Born to Dance, 106 & Park, and many other great series. There are also music videos, photos, and the latest updates on next years Hip Hop Awards. I like the great celebrity profiles listed on the site, including rapper/singer Nicki Minaj, aka Olivia Tanya Minaj. If you didn‘t get a chance to her perform at the 2011 Hip Hop Awards, let met refresh your memory. She has released two incredible songs, “Your Love” and “Right Thru Me” that showcases her rhyming skills in each song. Nicki was born in Trinidad, but she grew up in Queens, New York. It wasn’t long before her underground mix tapes caught the eyes of music executives, and she signed a music contract in 2009. She stand out from the other hip hop artists by her strong outstanding vocal talent, loud fashion sense, and her creative performances.

I recommend everyone to hop over to www.bet.com when you get a chance and go through their wonderful website.

13 Days of Halloween - Guest Post with Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

2011-10-22T00:05:00.000-05:00

I was born scant days before Halloween with a name one short syllable shy of my grandmother’s dead daughter’s name as another kinswoman departed this life. I like to think Aunt Lottie and I high fived on the way in and out or at least said hello. My parents took me home to an old brick Victorian house where generations of doctors lived and practiced. In that house, the paranormal was the normal because odd things happened often. I also inherited a few psychic gifts from my grandmothers, a great-grandmother, and one great-grandfather who happened to be the seventh son of a seventh son. Some of my true strange experiences have appeared in Fate magazine. So it’s no wonder that I’ve always been attracted to things both supernatural and paranormal with curious wonder.

Although it may sound like something out of one of my novels, all of the above is true. With my birthday so close to All Hallows Eve, many of my early birthday cakes were decorated for the holiday with orange and black frosting, black cats, and even witches. Autumn is my favorite season and as an adult I always burn a traditional fire on October 31. Good little Catholic girl that I am as well I go to church the next morning for All Saints too. I know – shades of Anne Rice or something especially with my vampire romance series, the Love Covenant series from Evernight Publishing.

Maybe it’s no wonder that I write about vampires. In the Love Covenant series (Love Tattoo, Love Scars, Love Shadows and coming soon, book four of six, Love Shadows) readers love my Irish born two hundred year old vampire and his Texas gal. Even in much of my other fiction a few paranormal elements often creep into the pages. This year, I have a story in the Jack-o-spec collection from Raven Electrick Press and a stand alone short, Forty Eight Hours A Year coming October 29 from Silver Publishing. Much of my published short fiction deals with the odd and the supernatural elements.

Since this is the month for Halloween, I’ll share a spooky and strange personal experience, one of many. I lived deep in the rural Ozarks when I first got married and in the hollow down below our home an old derelict farmhouse remained. My imagination always gets fired up by old home places so I talked my husband into trekking through the woods, literally over hills and through the brambles to see it. I brought along my camera, shot a lot of pictures and we went in but not far because it looked dangerous. The staircase that led to the upper floor was rotted away. I shot the pictures with my Canon camera using 35 mm film. When I got the pictures back I looked at them and then looked again. I saw people in the upstairs windows. In the side window, a woman of about thirty leans to peer out through the glass. In one of the front windows, I could see an old woman with a big apron tied about her waist pointing one finger in the direction I stood taking the pictures. There was another picture of an old man, very distinct.

I showed them to my husband and he saw them too. I still have the pictures and everyone I’ve ever shown them to shivers. The people look very real but no one human could have been upstairs because there was no way left to reach it. Since then, I’ve shot a few other pictures of old houses that have images in the windows too but none are as clear as these.

That’s my strange but true story to share this Halloween season. Feel free to check out my short stories that may offer up a chill or two. If you’re into vampires, try my Love Covenant series. Readers can find my books, all eBooks, some also in paperback, and the anthologies on Amazon.com. I have an author page there, Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy.

13 Days of Halloween: I Love Horror Movies

2011-10-21T01:26:00.000-05:00

I planned on posting a review of the 80s horror comedy House II, but sadly I didn’t get around to watching the movie this week. I haven't seen the movie in years, and I ordered it off of Amazon last week. I remember walking up to grocery store (at the time I lived in a very small town) when I was young with my aunt (who’s only six years older than me). The grocery store had very limited VHS rentals, in which we rented Critters 2 and House II. I had seen the first House a few years before when my parents bought it. And I seen the original Critters on the big screen, as my uncle demanded that the movie was funny, but mom and grandma had a different opinion after taking my aunt and me to see it. Anyway, I have fond memories of House II and I look forward to watching it again this weekend.

My first venture in watching horror was back in the late 80s on an old black and white TV set I had in my bedroom, where I would watch Friday the 13th the series at 9 PM on Friday nights. I barely recall what any of the episodes where about until I bought the DVDs a few years ago. About a year or so later is when I was introduced to Michael Myers by my grandma who was babysitting me at the time. My mom was fairly upset that I watched the movie, even though it was the cut version off of TV. I watched part of Halloween II when I was at my grandparent’s house a few weeks later and I begged to take the VHS home to finish it. My mom made me keep the volume down as I finished the movie at home. As for Halloween III, lets just say I only watched it once as a kid, but I’ve watched a few more times since I have gotten it on DVD. It's not my favorite in the series.

I wasn’t aware of Halloween 4 & 5 even existed, until Halloween: The Curse of Michael Meyers came out. I was eagerly waiting the rental release and kept asking the video clerk (in another town) when it was coming out, that’s when I was told there six movies. I rented 4 and 5 just before the sixth movie came out. During those five years before Halloween 6 was released, I found other movies - A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Evil Dead, Night of the Living Dead, and many other horror movies. In the middle 90s I would watch Monster Vision on TNT, and then switch over to the local Fox station to watch Tales from the Crypt at midnight.

After being caught in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer mayhem, I still continued to follower Michael Meyers in his lackluster sequels and remakes. Now at the age of 30, I still love to indulge in the world of horror. I now watch True Blood, The Walking Dead, and the American Horror Story, which all three are better than most modern horror movies and the countless, horrible, remakes.

13 Days of Halloween: Halloween Party Review

2011-10-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Fear Street: Halloween Party
BY: R.L. Stine
PUBLISHED BY: Simon Pulse
PUBLISHED IN: 1990
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1811-0
Pages: 154
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Does anyone recall the bookshelves of the school book fair being filled with teen horror books? I got caught up in the horror madness in the early 90s, about the time I started watching the 1978’s Halloween at the age of nine, and I stumbled upon the bizarre world of R.L. Stine, a few years before the Goosebumps phenomenon hit the shelves. I read and collected dozens of R.L. Stine novels back in the day, but as I grew up I lost interest. Luckily I kept all of the books and I started collecting R.L. Stine, along with other Point Horror books, again.

Last Christmas, I received Halloween Party by R.L Stine, which is part of the Fear Street series, which I have always wondered why none of the books have every been made into a cheap horror movie or a low-rated CW series. I’ve never read the book before and was memorized by the snappy new cover design from the Simon Pulse release. There’s something about a jack-o-lantern that gives me the creeps. I tossed the book on the coffee table and had forgotten about it until last month when I was planning the 13 Days of Halloween posts. I thought it would be a perfect time to read it.

The Halloween Party is about a teen, Terry Ryan, who, along with his girlfriend, Niki Meyer (Michael Meyers? A Coincidence? Why is there always someone with the last name Meyer or Meyers in a horror novel?) has been invited, along with a selected number of guests, to the Halloween Party of Justine, a new student to Shadyside High with a mysterious past. The party is being held at the old Cameron Mansion on Fear Street, beyond the cemetery. The mansion is said to be haunted!

This is not your typical party as all Justine wants to do is play wicked, cruel games to embarrass her fellow students. Then, out of nowhere, several bikers crash the party, reminding me of the party scene from the movie Weird Science. While the new unwelcome guests causes a little chaos, Niki disappears and one of the partiers is found dead! Terry searches through the spooky mansion in search of his missing girlfriend, while Justine unleashes her revenge plot.

I have to admit that I normally zoom right through Fear Street novels, but I had trouble getting into this one until I was about the middle of the book. I rolled my eyes as the bikers invaded the party, and my stomach quenched at every cruel joke Justine unleashed. Only when Terry learns of the mansion’s previous owners’ deaths does the plot actually get interesting, and you finally understand why Justine only invited specific guests. Despite that fact that Halloween Party is not the best of the Fear Street, I still enjoyed the few twists and turns that made it a decent read. I can easily see this being made into a TV movie, but I guess those are too rare these days thanks to the boring scripted reality shows. Let me give you some advice: If you get invited to a party at an old mansion next to a cemetery - Don’t Go!

13 Days of Halloween: Another Interview With A Vampire

2011-10-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another Interview With A Vampire

By Rebeka Harrington

When developing characters; some authors create detailed character sheets, others use a loose outline and follow their ‘muse’. I use a combination of these, but the main method I use for creating my characters is; I talk to them. Like a crazy person, I sit in my office and talk to my characters. Ask them questions about their lives, reactions and feelings. Thankfully only my cat is witness to this lunacy, otherwise I’m sure I would have been locked up a long time ago.

I thought it appropriate, when Billy asked for a guest post in honor of October and Halloween, that I share with you my version of an “Interview With A Vampire”.

The vampire I’m interviewing is Bektamun. She is 3000 years old and narrator of “Vampires Revealed”.

RH: Hi Bektamun, thanks for agreeing to an interview. I hope you’re comfortable and not hungry at all.

B: It’s my pleasure Rebeka. No I’m not hungry, I fed earlier.

RH: 3000 years is a long time, why did you choose now to tell humans the truth about vampires?

B: I’ve been tempted to do so in the past, but it is only now there is such a prolific amount of non-information being touted, I could resist temptation no longer.

Humans believe vampires are undead, some sort of creature returned from the grave. Or worse still, we are soulless demons in league with the Devil. This is simply not true.

Humans have spread so many lies about vampires over the centuries that now it is accepted as fact. We sleep in coffins, are allergic to garlic, afraid of holy relics; all nonsense! Any human relying on myths to protect them is easy prey.

RH: How many vampires are there across the globe?

B: More than you realize and fewer than you think.

RH: That’s fairly ambiguous, could you be more specific.

B: No.

RH: Can you explain why not?

B: I may have a reputation for spilling secrets, but there are some secrets even I will not share. It would be breaking the law.

RH: Ah, okay. What has the reaction been from other vampires about you telling all their secrets?

B: Most vampires know humans wouldn’t recognize the truth if it walked up and slapped them in the face, so they view my exposé as curious or amusing.

There were some death threats and the like from extremists, but nothing overly serious. For awhile I had to seek help from my children to offer protection to the humans on my staff.

RH: You have a human staff. Is that common among vampires?

B: Not at all. Many vampires use a human to act as an agent, take care of things during the day, but I’m the only vampire who has a permanent human staff who lives in my household.

RH: Do you ever feed from your staff?

B: No! That would be a betrayal of their trust and loyalty. I can’t believe you would even ask such a question. Honestly Rebeka I expected better from you.

RH: I’m sorry. How did you come to have a staff of humans in the first place?

B: That is quite a story and I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading all about it when I finish writing my next book. All I can say for now is, it started with a chance encounter during the riots of the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in Paris.

RH: Does that mean you are planning to write more about your personal history? What about the history of other vampires?

B: As you already said, 3000 years is a long time. I have many stories to tell and I have much knowledge to share. Relating stories about other vampires depends on whether or not they will co-operate with me to do so. You will have to wait and see.

RH: Apart from hunting and feeding, what do you like to do for fun? Do vampires have fun?

B: Of course vampires have fun, enjoy pursuing pleasurable activities. I like reading and dancing. Reading offers an escape to an entirely different reality and sometimes the creatures portrayed are even more monstrous than me.

Dancing can be a tricky proposition around humans. If I totally let the music overtake me I may start moving like a vampire and shatter my façade of humanity. At home I can dance without worrying about frightening any humans.

RH: You live in Melbourne, Australia. What is that like compared to other places you have lived?

B: Melbourne has a very low murder-rate so I have to be particularly careful in my feeding habits. Because of this I need to feed from several people rather than draining one dry. In places like New York or South America, the combination of homeless people and the murder-rate means I don’t have to be so careful.

RH: Let’s wind this up with a bit of vox pop. Favorite color?

B: Red

RH: Favourite type of music or band?

B: Classical or hard rock

RH: Cash or credit?

B: Cash

RH: Love or lust?

B: Love

RH: If you could give one piece of advice to humans, what would it be?

B: Stay away from vampires.

About Rebeka Harrington:

Raised in country Victoria, Rebeka started her writing career working for the local newspaper as a teenager. While she decided not to pursue this as a career, she has always enjoyed writing and being creative

With so many varied interests and eclectic taste in most things, Rebeka enjoys incorporating all of them in her writing. She particularly enjoys writing about vampires.

Rebeka seeks to define and explain vampires in a way not done before. This has been achieved with her debut title "Vampires Revealed". Following titles will revolve around exploring the world and characters created in her first release.

Currently Rebeka lives in Melbourne with her “demented” but lovable cat, dividing her time between writing and managing a small boutique entertainment agency.

Vampires Revealed is available for purchase on Amazon and Smashwords. You can find out more about Rebeka by visiting her blog or the online home of her characters.

Vampires Revealed Synopsis

“Leave behind your preconceived ideas, forget the horror stories and disregard everything you think you know about vampires.

For centuries the debate has raged; are vampires real? There has been plenty of myth and superstition regarding vampires but not a lot of truth or answers. In a unique piece of work, Bektamun a 3000 year old vampire, puts to rest all the myth and finally reveals the truth about the legendary creatures known across the globe as vampires.

Vampires Revealed is a journey of discovery. Never before have humans had and an opportunity such as this. To know the unadulterated truth, for every question you may have ever had about vampires to be answered”

Interview with Anna Deskins

2011-10-17T23:25:00.001-05:00

Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magically. Tell us about it.

It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?"

We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.

And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?

Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what.

We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.

In addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?

Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.

When do you ever have time to write?

You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth fromMiami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.

Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?

Right now, it's available online by going to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94655 You can also visit my website:http://www.AnnaDeskins.com where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood.

I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.

Thanks for the interview, Anna.

Review - Baby, It's Cold Outside & Kindle Fire Giveaway!

2011-10-15T01:52:00.001-05:00

Baby, It’s Cold Outside
BY: Susan May Warren
PUBLISHED BY: Summerside Press
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60936-215-7
Pages: 313
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Dottie Morgan does not celebrate Christmas anymore. Her only son had died during WWII and she has no family left. Dottie’s friend/co-worker Violet, who is grieving over her fiancé’s death, shows up at door as a snowstorm hits Frost, Minnesota. A mystery man ends up at Dottie’s house, along with her neighbor. She would rather spend the holidays by herself, but must make the best out an awkward situation.

I found it odd that I was reading a Christmas novel in October, but I found the novel charming and witty at times. I liked that the story is set in a small town, which I can relate to. The characters in Baby, It’s Cold Outside are grieving over lost loved ones and are struggling with the holiday season. I found the book funny and heartwarming. I can easily see this as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie in the near future. It is a great read.

*I would like to thank LitFuse for sending me a copy to review.

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:www.susanmaywarren.com.

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609362152/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1609362152&adid=1W6V46X88E4D79FGRNE1

Blog tour schedule: (please include the link to the blog tour post in your review: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13433361)

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – warm up with a Kindle Fire from Susan May Warren

Warm up to Chrismtas early this year with Susan May Warren's Baby, It's Cold Outside! To celebrate the release of her new Christmas book with Summerside Press, she and the publisher are giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting an early Christmas Party on Facebook!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One festive winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Fire
Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/26!

But, wait there’s more! Join Susan May Warren on 10/27 for merriment and a few early Christmas presents at her Baby, It's Cold Outside Christmas party! Grab your Christmas sweaters, socks and pj’s and join Susan and a few friends for a fireside chat about her recent books (Heiress & Baby, It’s Cold Outside), holiday traditions, favorite Christmas recipes, a trivia contest and more! Invite your friends and don’t miss the fun!

RSVP here and we'll see you on October 27th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST!

The Night Circus Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-14T13:52:00.002-05:00

And the winners are. . .

Laura Kay from A Novel Review

and

Seak (Bryce L.) from seeks.blogspot.com.

Congratulations to the winners!

You'll be receiving an email from me shortly.

Friday Hops

2011-10-14T10:12:00.002-05:00

http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/10/book-blogger-hop-1014-1017.html

Question of the Week: What is your favorite spooky book?

My Answer: My favorite scary book would be Grave Doubts by John Peel, which is part of the Shocker series from the early 90s.

Question of the week: If you could have characters from a particular book meet and form an epic storyline with characters from a particular TV series, which would you choose and why?
My answer: I would like to see Detective John Munch (from Law & Order SVU & Homicide: Life on the Streets) help Richard Castle (from Castle) solve a murder case.

When Monsters Get Lonely Review and Giveaway

2011-10-13T00:37:00.002-05:00

When Monsters Get Lonely
BY: Maha Huneidi
ILLUSTRATED BY: Karen McDonald
PUBLISHED BY: CreateSpace
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 9781461063070
Pages: 32
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Hannah shivers as she clings to her bed covers in “When Monsters Get Lonely”. She’s afraid when her mother shuts off the light, the monster under the bed will come for her. Everything is fine when she leaves the lamp on, but there is a sudden blackout. Her parents and grandma explain to here that there are no such thing as monsters. Hannah is still scared as she returns to her room, but is ready to confront her monster.

I recall being afraid of monsters under the bed and the boogeyman in the closet when I was a kid. In “When Monsters Get Lonely” young Hannah, who wants to be a film director, is afraid of the creature that comes out when the lights go out. Young readers will be able to relate to Hannah and her situation as she bravely confronts her fears. The illustrations are wonderfully drawn, and at times the drawings are a little spooky. It is a great read for kids, especially with Halloween just around the corner.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

1 copy of When Monsters Get Lonely

Open to followers of this blog with a US mailing address

Ends October 30, 2011

(+2) Old GFC Followers

(+1) New GFC Followers

(+1) Each for Twittering, Facebook Share/Like, or Google Buzz/+1 this post

(+3) For "Like" my Facebook page, following on Twitter, Shelfari, or Goodreads.

You must leave a comment to enter.

Your comment should also include any of the above actions for additional entries and your email (EXAMPLE: coffeeramblings AT hotmail.com)

The winner will be announced in a seperate post on Halloween!

About the Author

Studio Center

2011-10-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

Studio Center is one of the earliest studios specializing in broadcast advertising, opening it’s doors in 1966. The studio produces more than fourteen thousand projects a year, and have clients spread across fifty states and twenty-three countries. Their clients have won over forty-thousand awards, including a Grammy, because of their services. Their services include video productions, music productions, audio productions, television commercial productions, voice talent, casting assistant, music clearance, script translator, script & copyright, and much more.

The Studio Center website is clean, and I enjoyed visiting the site and going through all the pages, from their voice talents to political productions. With all the enhancements in technology, it is wonderful to see a forty-five-year-old studio in business. I recommend Studio Center to anyone who is looking for a quality, trustworthy video and audio productions. Their offices are located in Santa Monica, California, Las Vegas, Nevada; New York, New York, Richmond, Virginia, VA Beach, Virginia and Memphis, Tennessee. They employ over seven-hundred full or part time employees and talents.

Taking Advantage of the Season for Our Wedding

2011-10-11T01:07:00.001-05:00

Guest post written by Leann Williams

I planned our wedding for the fall on purpose. I never wanted an outdoor wedding, so I thought that there should be no reason why I would worry about my hair reacting badly to the humidity of summer or spring then. It's a little crazy to plan your wedding about the seasonal humidity, but that's something very important to me. I also really love the colors of fall and thought that they would make some excellent accent colors for the big day.

I looked online with my WiMAX wireless for some inspiration on how others have successfully used those colors in their wedding decorations without looking like a walking billboard for Halloween. As much as I love Halloween, I don't want it to be the theme for my wedding!

Instead, I'm concentrating on using some pastel oranges as my accent color for my fall wedding. I think it's going to be gorgeous and we're even using orange bouquets. I even found these really cute orange heels to wear underneath my dress as a little something special!

Great Finds Issue #102

2011-10-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

Here are my recent thrift store finds.

Eyes of Fire

by Heather Graham

Justice for a Ranger

by Rita Herrron

Trace Evidence in Tarrant County

by Delores Fossen

Big Sky Standoff

by B.J. Daniels

The Neighborly Thing

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I'll Be Yours For Christmas

by Samantha Hunter

Bet Me

by Debra Webb, Catherine Mann, and Joanne Rock

The Bodyguard's Baby

by Debra Webb

Maverick Christmas

by Joanna Wayne

Sleeping Beauty Suspect

by Dani Sinclair

Covert Conception

by Delores Fossen

Beast in the Tower

by Julie Miller

Baby Jane Doe

by Julie Miller

Undercover Sheik

by Dana Marton

Friday Hops!

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Question of the week:

If you could pick one character in a book, movie or television show to swap places with, who would it be?

My Answer:
I would have to say I would like to be James Bond for one day!

http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/10/book-blogger-hop-107-1010.html

It’s time to spread some love beyond the borders of the Book Blogger Hop! This week, we aren’t answering a question. We are spotlighting our fellow bloggers. Find your favorite(s) author interview(s), guest post(s), book review(s), or bookish article(s) that ANOTHER BOOK BLOGGER featured on their site recently and tell us why you love it/them! As an additional challenge, find your favorite one of EACH of the categories above and spotlight all 4 (interview, guest post, review, article).

My answer:

Review: Warm Bodies Review from Patricia Lynne's Journey through the Pages.

http://plbjourney.blogspot.com/2011/10/warm-bodied-review.html

Article: Parents: Get to Know Your Kid by Shana Connell Noyes from SFC Blog: Families Matter

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/2011/09/parents-get-to-know-your-kid-by-shana.html

Guest Post on Bulling from SFC Blog: Familes Matter
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/2011/09/interesting-guest-post-on-bullying.html

Interview: Charlotte Blackwell author of the Embrace series from Librarian Mouse

http://www.librarianmouse.com/2011/09/interview-charlotte-blackwell-author-of.html

Writing News - Trick-or-Spells

2011-10-05T15:39:00.000-05:00

My new short story, "Trick-or-Spells", is now live on Knownder! Hop on over to http://www.knowonder.com/2011/10/01/trick-or-spells-story-of-the-day-1/#comments to read the story. I appreciate all comments.

Review - The Wonder of Your Love

2011-10-04T16:10:00.002-05:00

The Wonder of Your Love
BY: Beth Wiseman
PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Nelson
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59554-886-3
Pages: 294
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Set in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado, a recent widow Katie Ann Stoltzfus struggles to raise her baby, Jonas. Prior to her husband, Ivan, death, Ivan had left Katie for an English woman, Lucy Turner. Katie receives a letter from Lucy, just before Katie meets Eli Detweiler at a wedding. Eli is also a widower, has been several years. He’s come to Colorado for a long, much-needed vacation. All of his children are now grown, and a few even have children of their own. Eli is enjoying the simple life, but that changes when he meets Katie. There is an instant attraction between the two. Katie is still grieving over her husbands affair, and now has a wonderful baby to raise, while Eli is done with raising a family. As their friendship gets closer, they both wonder if God has other plans for them.

The Wonder of Your Love is a fast, clean-cut, romantic tale. I was instantly emotionally connect to Katie Anne by the end of the first chapter. Amish people live in a small religious community, but they have problems just like everyone else. In this case, Katie’s husband was having affair with an English woman and eventually left Katie for Lucy. I’m a fan of Amish fiction and I was surprised by this little twist, but the plot kept me flipping through the pages. I recommend the book to all readers.

*I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for sending me a copy to review.

Versatile Blogger Award

2011-10-02T21:27:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank author John Hansen from The Incessant Droning of a Bored Writer for awarding Versatile Blogger Award!

Here are rules for Versatile Blogger Award:

Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
Share seven random facts about yourself.
Pass the award along to 5-7 deserving blogging buddies.
Contact those buddies to congratulate them!

7 Facts About Me!

I have two closets filled with books, several full bookshelves, and books plied up here and there.
There's not enough money in the world to make me eat one bite of blackberry pie.
I'm a huge Clint Eastwood fan. I own all of his movies on DVDs.
My favorite coffee brand is Nescafe.
I know how to cross-stitch.
I'm a bargain hunter. I stop by my local thrift store every weekend and shop for cheap books, gifts, and other neat stuff.
I'm currently watching Desperate Housewives.

5 Amazing Blogs that I pass the Versatile Blogger Award to are:

Cym Lowell - http://www.cymlowell.blogspot.com/
Debi Faulkner - http://debifaulkner.blogspot.com
Literary Asylum - http://literaryasylum.blogspot.com
SFC: Blog: Families Matter - http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com
Claudsy's Calliope - http://claudsy.blogspot.com/

Great Finds Issue #101

2011-10-01T10:36:00.000-05:00

Here are my recent thrift store finds!

Paperbacks:

Cycle of the Werewolf

by Stephen King

The Love Dare

by Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick

No Safe Place

by Judy Fitzwater

Ghostville Elementary: Beware of the Blabbermouth!

by Marcia Thornton Jones & Debbie Dadey

Haunting Christmas Tales

by Joan Aiken & Others

Rustled

by B.J. Daniels

Up Against the Wall

by Julie Miller

The House of Doors

by Brian Lumley

The Farmer Next Door

by Patricia Davids

Marrying Miss Marshal

Lacy Williams

Conspiracy in Death

by Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb

The Death Dealer

by Heather Graham

Simple Social Media Tips

2011-10-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Social networking sites can be a great tool for new or old bloggers. I recommend setting up profiles on different social media sites, like myspace, facebook, twitter, goodreads, etc, to bring in new readers to your blog. With just a few minutes you can set up a facebook page for your blog, so readers can 'like your page'. Offering addition buttons as Google Buzz, Google +1, Twitter, etc, can help expand your readership and bump up your page rank. It's simple to add social button/icons to your blog. Just 'google' for social bookmarking widgets and you'll be amazed of how many are out there for you to use. Don't forget to add your blog to several search engine optimizations, as it is a great way to increase your page rank and readers.

Via: Wpromote