Introducing Fit For Faith by Kimberley Payne

Today marks the launch of Kimberley Payne's e-book Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health.

As a special promotion, today’s buyers will get free gifts for each copy of Fit for Faith that they purchase.

For details on the book, launch, and promotions please visit:
Kimberley Payne's site.

An Interview with Kimberley Payne

Author of Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health

Are you looking for balance in your life? Believing that prayer, Bible study and journal writing are to the spirit what exercise, healthy eating and stretching are to the body, this workbook unites spiritual health and physical health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. This workbook is a motivational tool to empower women to improve their health to live balanced, whole and joyous lives that glorify God.

1. How was the idea for the book born?

Although I was born and raised within the church, it wasn't until I attended a Christian women's retreat that I realized how much I had compartmentalized my life: family in one corner, work in another; finances here, health there, faith over there. I began to see that my faith shouldn't be kept partitioned off from the rest of my life. Instead, it needed to be intertwined with all the parts of my life. If I was going to follow Him as my Lord, God wanted me to include Him in everything and that included my health and fitness.

2. What authority do you have to write this book?

I certified as a Weight Instructor through the YMCA, then went on to certify as an Aerobics Instructor through A.C.E., then went on to certify as a Personal Fitness through Can-Fit-Pro.

3. There are many fitness books on the market. How is Fit for Faith any different?

Fit for Faith makes no assumptions about the reader’s spiritual walk. All levels, whether a new Christian or a mature Christian, can benefit from this program. It is a program for a new Christian who wants to learn about prayer, journal writing and Bible study in the comfort of their own home, but a mature Christian can still be refreshed in their faith and re-commit to a daily relationship with God. It is motivating with inspiring reflections included each day and Christian truths set forth in a non-threatening manner.

Fit for Faith makes no assumptions about the activity level of the reader. All levels, whether a sedentary individual or a seasoned athlete, can benefit from this program. It emphasizes overall health, not just weight loss. Expertise and professionalism are provided throughout the program in easy-to-read “fit tips” and goal-planning assistance. The program includes strategies that empower people to make small changes in their daily routines to improve the quality of their life.

Fit for Faith is a well-rounded balanced program that follows the stages of change and so inspires confidence and builds esteem.

4. What is your purpose in writing this book?
The purpose in writing is to share knowledge from the health and fitness field and to demonstrate that partnership with God always leads to success, in every area of life. It is designed with the message of the gospel at its heart.

5. What is involved in the 7-week program?
The Fit for Faith program starts with developing an action plan that includes exploring benefits and success strategies of exercising, healthy eating, and stretching the body and the spirit. Then, the reader moves into implementing the plan through a daily program of prayer, Bible study and tracking of healthy habits. Each week is capped with a review that is a natural lead into the next week.

6. Can the book be used in a group setting?

Fit for Faith is a simple workbook to support a person through their day. It is designed for individuals to participate on their own at any hour, and anywhere. However, the workbook is extremely versatile and has proven success as a group program. Leader’s Notes are available to work within a group setting that can also be used as an outreach program within a church or workplace.

7. What are the benefits of the program?

It's like having your own personal trainer, without the cost. There is a ton of useful information that helps the reader wade through the myths and misconceptions that are out there.

It's an awareness program. The reader is accountable to record their activities, and this helps to recognize where their strengths are and what areas they need to improve.

It's a lifestyle change. Over the 7 weeks, the reader will gain habits that last a lifetime.

8. Do you offer workshops/presentations based on the book?
Yes, my main three presentations are:

Fit for Prayer
Learn how to fit prayer and physical activity into your daily routine
This workshop unites physical health and spiritual health to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. In this highly interactive session, you will gain insight into how to incorporate prayer and fitness into your daily round.

Food for thought
Find out how to nourish your body and spirit through healthy eating and Bible study
Just as eating healthy foods nourishes your body, Bible study nourishes your spirit. You will learn practical suggestions and scriptural guidance to achieve your goals. Feel the joy of a healthier and more spiritually fit life.

Flex your Spirit
Discover a new way to express yourself with God through journal writing and stretching
Taking care of yourself physically is one way to honor God with your body. Your thoughts and emotions directly influence your physical health. Learn how to recharge your physical and emotional health through stretching activities for your body and spirit.

9. Where else can we find you on the Internet?
Website: www.kimberleypayne.com
Blog: www.fitforfaith.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/FitForFaith
Facebook: Kimberley Payne, author & speaker http://tinyurl.com/3fymrmp
YouTube: Fit4Faith channel http://tinyurl.com/3jnjpkp

Notes from Eileen:

I've just begun looking at Fit for Faith and so far I'm pumped to treat my body as the temple God intended it to be, in eating, fitness, and growing in spirituality. I hope you will be as encouraged by what Kimberley has to say in this e-book as I am.

Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Introducing Deep Cover with a Giveaway

DEEP COVER by Sandra Orchard
Book One in Undercover Cops Series

Is it possible to be a man of honor and live a life of lies?

Rick Gray hopes so, because as an undercover cop, he’s had to make too many sacrifices, including a future with Ginny Bryson, the woman he loves.

But when she finds herself in the center of an arsonist’s line of fire, Rick’s lies just might be what they both need to save their lives – and the lives of those they love.

I'm so excited to introduce Sandra Orchard and her debut book, a Love Inspired Suspense novel, Deep Cover. Sandra is a fellow Canadian, living in southern Ontario, too! I met her years ago at a Write! Canada conference and this year we'll be flight buddies for the ACFW conference coming up. I look forward to introducing Sandra more on my post tomorrow.

Today we'll be looking at the book, Deep Cover.

Since Deep Cover doesn't release until September 1 (but is available on Amazon for pre-purchase now), Sandra Orchard kindly sent a draft of Deep Cover to my Kindle a couple months back. In fact, Deep Cover christened my shiny new Kindle, and now I just know I'm destined to experience only awesome reads on it. Deep Cover sure set the bar high, though.

I have a confession to make, I've not been a huge fan of the LIS line in the past, unlike I am of the LI line, and for one main reason. Up until reading Sandra Orchard's Deep Cover , I always felt the mystery thread overpowered, leaving little room for relationship growth in the LIS stories. In Deep Cover however, Orchard created a wonderful balance that had me teetering on the edge of my bed not only to discover who kept sabotaging the group home development, but how in the world would Ginny and Rick overcome the lies and hurt they'd caused each other. Deep Cover is a page turner from beginning to end. Even for slow readers like me, you'll finish it in one sitting!

Without giving away too much of the story, I have to mention supporting cast here, too. Ginny's relapsing mother and handicapped sister, Lori, play an integral role in revealing who Ginny and Rick are to the core in Deep Cover. These interesting characters don't outshine Rick and Ginny in the least, but their challenges sure make for telling scenes. There are no empty characters in this book, and no empty scenes, Orchard has mastered it all. I'll be watching for the release of her future novels. They won't come soon enough for me!

Now, if you're like me, an impatient soul, you can order for immediate delivery of Deep Cover from eHarlequin using Sandra Orchard's site. Well, you can that is, if your address happens to be in their database. I'd love to hear if yours is, cause I'm still waiting for them to update it with mine. Insert pouting face here.

Deep Cover Giveaway:

Leave a comment on any of my posts this week from Monday to Thursday with an email link and you'll be entered to win a copy. Each comment you leave = 1 ballot.

Drawing will take place early Friday morning. I'll announce the winner on Friday's post and I'll mail it out as soon as I receive my copies.

Tomorrow, I'm interviewing Sandra Orchard here. Stop by to get to know this debut author and feel free to leave questions.

May your day be filled with interesting stories that make you a better person.


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Heartache Falls by Emily March Review

The third installment of Emily March's Eternity Springs series is Heartache Falls. And my oh my, is it a telling read. Especially for all us 40-something wives who have been married in the 20-year range and are on the verge, or in the midst, of experiencing empty nesting. Two words come to mind when I think of this scenario, which I happen to be in the early throws of right now, Emotional Upheaval, with capital letters intended. Some might use middle age crisis. Whichever you go with, Emily March's Heartache Falls (which is a romance) is a book that helps put so much of our ongoing upheaval into wonderful perspective with a huge dose of HOPE thrown in.

My thanks is lifted to Emily March for writing this novel, this series. I've enjoyed every book in The Eternity Springs series so far and look forward to all the ones to come. But Heartache Falls, I have a feeling, will not be surpassed in its ability to resonate with me. My marriage is strong (lifting a prayer that God continues to bless us with this), so I don't share that main issue with Ali Timberlake (the heroine in this novel) but so much of what goes on beneath the surface of Ali, I can relate to, and I have a feeling many women can. Whether you are in, nearing, or not even close to this stage of life, I highly recommend you read Heartache Falls for the dose of reality it offers in such an entertaining, exemplary, and soul-searching way.

Back Cover Blurb: Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She's looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that's missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Cafe in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge--and a man who isn't going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.

When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs--sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back--he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there enough room left in that heart for him?

Surrendering to Him

Eileen

A Soldier's Reunion by Cheryl Wyatt

A Soldier's Reunion by Cheryl Wyatt, June 2009, Steeple Hill, Love Inspired

Back Cover Blurb: A Man From Her Past

Despite a decade apart, this isn't the reunion Mandy Manchester expected! She thought she'd put high school sweetheart Nolan Briggs behind her. Now he's back...and the pararescue jumper literally sweeps her off her feet. He's ready and willing to rekindle what they once shared. Mandy, though, isn't prepared to put her heart at risk. He left her before--she won't trust him again. Can Nolan teach this grounded girl to take a leap of faith?

My Review: True to Cheryl Wyatt's form, her fourth book in the Wings of Refuge series, A Soldier's Reunion, starts out at a fast pace with a bang. Mandy and Nolan are characters you can relate to and would love to have lunch with, and getting a peek into the characters introduced in the previous stories is always delightful.

I've never been a big fan of the many reunion stories driven by the old: the parents forbid the true love so they parted and of course, all promised correspondence was stolen by said parents without the girl ever suspecting. But Wyatt redeems this familiar plot by weaving some original spins into this story. She delivers, once again, an enjoyable fast paced story.

A Soldier's Reunion is in stores now where LI's sell, and you can also order it on Amazon here.

A Wonderful Discovery

I'm excited to share what I learned from Stanley D. Williams, Ph.D. book entitled The Moral Premise Harnessing Virtue & Vice for Box Office Success.

Yes, it is written for screen writers, but I'd say about 95% or more of it is very relevant for novel writers. Over on Seekerville, a guest visitor, agent Natasha Kern, recommended this book to writers, and boy am I glad I took her advice. Seriously consider adding this one to your wish list if you don't already have a copy on hand.

To try and sum it up in a short post won't give it justice, I know. You really need to absorb the concept through reading Williams' book, but I will offer this as a teaser.

The written formula for a moral premise is this:

[Vice] leads to [undesirable consequences], but
[Virtue] lead to [desirable consequences].

or

[Vise] leads to [defeat]; but [virtue] leads to [success].

The Moral Premise is "a universal truth that can make life better." pg. 161

Right away you can see how having a defined moral premise can aid in the needed conflict in any story. Vice, vice, vice. If you don't have one, find one.

Along with the Moral Premise, Williams goes to great lengths in this book to show how the physical goals of the story must be created so that they are a metaphor for the moral premise of the story, which is really defined by the inner struggle that the characters traverse through the story. Any given story is to be only about one thing--the defined Moral Premise. It's our job as a writer to make everything tie together so that it reveals that key Moral Premise.

I suspect I'll come back to share more on this book, but for now, I'll leave you with this for your weekend pondering. Can your current wip be defined by a moral premise? [Vise] leads to [defeat]; but [virtue] leads to [success]. I'd love to see your moral premises in the comments!

Praying for all to have a blessed weekend with many joyous experiences!


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

A Few Good Points

I'm blogging over at Writer's Rest Today. Would love to see you over there, and learn of your editing woes.

Wishing you all a wonderful day ahead!


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Review of The Taking of Carly Bradford by Ramona Richards

The Taking of Carly Bradford by Ramona Richards
LIS, May 2009


Back Cover Blurb: A CLUE IN THE WOODS

A blue sundress and white sandals. That's what seven-year-old Carly Bradford was wearing...right before she disappeared. Three months later, Dee Kelley spots the sandals in the woods and knows she's uncovered evidence. Dee lost her husband and child--she won't let another mother suffer as she did. She will help police chief Tyler Madison find Carly, whether he wants her assistance or not. But Tyler isn't the only one determined to keep Dee off he case. And evidence isn't all that she'll find waiting for her in the woods.


My Review: I haven't been a huge fan of many Love Inspired Suspense novels just because the majority that I've read (which are few because of these findings) are really heavy on the suspense, and stingy on the romance. But Ramona Richards didn't disappoint me with The Taking of Carly Bradford. She weaved a suspenseful story with a strong romantic thread throughout. I felt for both Dee and Tyler and routed for them to find their HEA, at the same time as I struggled to figure out who abducted Carly and how the little girl would be found.

If you're like me, and really thirst for a strong romantic thread in these suspense category novels, then this is the book to pick up. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Ready-Made Family by Cheryl Wyatt (with a GIVEAWAY)

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love;

I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them."

Hosea 11:4

Ready-Made Family by Cheryl Wyatt

To enjoy an Authors-Helping-Writers interview with Cheryl Wyatt, please click here.

BACK COVER BLURB:
Ready-Made FamilyApril 2009-Steeple Hill Love Inspired--IN STORES NOW!
Wings of Refuge Series

Amelia North needs refuge, and finds it--in Refuge, Illinois. Stranded there after a car wreck, the single mother expects to be cold-shouldered. After all, she's already been rejected by her parents, her church and her daughter's father. Instead, she finds a town full of people with open hands and hearts…including pararescue jumper Ben Dillinger.

Ben wants to help Amelia and her daughter find safety and stability. Instead, he finds himself freefalling--right into love with the ready-made family.

MY REVIEW:

True to Cheryl Wyatt's style, her third book starts off with a doozy of a hook. With high-stakes situations Wyatt's stories draw you in from the first line and then her characters take over from there. Amelia and Ben, and little Reece, are a delight to get to know, their imperfections and all, and this story moves at a quick pace from beginning to end. Ready-Made Family weaves trust, fear, disappointment, forgiveness, and God's amazing Grace into one wonderful tale of how unexpected kindness can change lives all around you. Refuge is a town in which I'd love to live, and this books characters already seem like friends to me. A great read, once again, created by Cheryl Wyatt!

I hope you'll visit the following links to pick up a copy of Cheryl Wyatt's Ready-Made Family (RMF) for yourself and maybe a friend, too.

Christianbook.com Purchase link for RMF

Amazon.com purchase link for RMF

Barnes and Noble purchase link for RMF:


And Be Sure to Check Cheryl's New KINDLE Contest Out!

Straight from Cheryl, herself:
"KINDLE CONTEST--NO FOOLIN!
Starting April Fool's day 2009 I'll be running a Kindle contest. Only my newsletter subscribers will be eligible for entry. To receive those quarterly newsletters as well as more information on the Kindle contest, visit http://www.cherylwyatt.com/ and sign up in the newsletter space provided. This is a double-opt-in feature and you will receive an e-mail prompting you to confirm that you wish to receive the newsletter. I respect your privacy and will not share your e-mail address with a third party. Contest ends June 15, 2009 at midnight CST. Winner will be announced on Independence Day 2009 on my newsletter and blog."


Now, for My Giveaway:

If you'd be interested in winning a copy of Cheryl Wyatt's Ready-Made Family, drop a comment in this post with your augmented e-mail addy. I'll make the draw Friday, April, 10th @ noon Eastern time.

Good Luck Everyone!


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Review of: Love Finds You in Humble, Texas

Love Finds You in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman

Back Cover Blurb: Trudie Abernathy is a little inelegent, and she's never had much luck in love. To make matters worse, her thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and her sister, Lane, has decided to "treat" her to a makeover and a blind date. Trudie is about to protest, but then she meets the kind and devastatingly handsome Mason Wimberley. In spite of Trudie's humble manner, Mason finds her attractive, funny, and smart. But there's one obstacle in the way of the budding romance: Lane suddenly decides that she's in love with Mason! Trudie has never been one to compete with her glamorous sister, even when it means giving up the things she wants. Will she be able to stay true to her humble self and find her heart's desire in the process?

Review time: Early on in this read I made the following note in the back cover: "it has a fairy tale feel that captures life's unpredictableness." It is that, and much more.

If you like stories where all, and I mean everything, turns out peachy and gets resolved, then you may really enjoy this story. For me, though, when I finished reading it, I wondered if "making everything rosey" was a prerequisite for the Love Finds You series written by various authors. I haven't read any others in this series, but now I'm wanting too, just to see if I'm correct in that assumption.

It is my experience that for all to turn out perfect in any novel, sacrifices in plotting and craft often takes place, making the read a little less enjoyable for some. Despite the fact that I felt the story was weakened by the fairy-tale feel, I enjoyed many of the twists and the way the characters related to one another. It certainly makes me curious enough to get hold of another of this multi-published author's books to see if this is her usual style. If it is, I'd be very surprised.

There is definitely entertainment and even "writerly" benefit to reading this fairy tale romance. So, if a love triangle involving two sisters and a very lovable man appeals to you, try Anita Higman's Love Finds You in Humble, Texas, and let me know if it suspends disbelief for you, or if you'd prefer a few threads left a little unravelled or not so nicely tied-up to keep it more real.

What Makes A 5-Star For You?

When you read a story, what determines if it deserves the optimal 5-star?

I've been reviewing books for a while now. Haven't written very many reviews as of late due to time constraints and, well, also the fact that they aren't that easy for me to do. It takes a lot of energy out of me to write a review that I feel is worthwhile posting anywhere. If I can offer a 4-star or 5-star rating for a review for a particular book, then I'll attempt to write one at some point for the author to help them with marketing. Either posting on Amazon, sending in for the Afictionado Ezine, or just posting here on my blog.

But I've been seriously considering that I've been way to easy on some reviews in the past. Have you found that you get pickier the more books you read? Apparently I have.

For me, I've decided that if I don't experience at least three out of the following four effects from a read, I'm not giving it a 5-star. The criteria I'm referring to is:

1) a good laugh (and I mean I physically laugh out loud),
2) get choked up (crying would be the ultimate, but rarely does that ever happen),
3)actually feel or can picture vividly a setting or experience described in the book,
and lastly,
4)it makes me challenge a preconceived perception of a life situation or belief in such a way that I grow as a person from the read.

I've read lots of books that get 2 out of the 4, but not many get three, and I can only think of a few of Karen Kingsbury's books that have hit all four (she is one amazing author who owns emotion in her writing).

So what about you, what do you look for in the ultimate read?

Blessings,

Eileen

Learning from the Opposite Sex

Do you ever have difficulty getting the males POV in your stories to sound like, well, a male?

Are you joining me in raising your hand? Sadly, I bet there are a great many of us who are still working on this aspect of fiction writing. Writing the opposite sex's POV well isn't easy!

I recently read the novelization of the screenplay Fireproof, written by Eric Wilson. I zoomed through this book. His dialogue tags took a bit of getting used to (often presented before the actual dialogue), but the pacing in those action scenes was bang on. Wilson's use of short, intense sentences matched the snap, crackle and pop head on.

But what most intrigued me about this story is how Wilson revealed Caleb Holt's character. He came across as a definite man. The internal thoughts, even thought process of Caleb Holt was all man. Strategically placed, a key sentence here and a telling phrase there sprinkled testosterone evenly throughout this novel, and that's what stood out for me as I read from a "writerly" perspective.

Have you read any books with an emphasis on romance written by a male that you'd recommend to writers trying to sharpen their male POV skills? I could use a few more examples to study.

Also, for those who are interested in reading the book, Fireproof. It's a great addition to the movie. After seeing the movie three times, the book still reads fast, and reveals a whole lot more than you might catch in the theatrical presentation. There are added subplots, expanded subplots, and I especially appreciated how the book resolved the boat sacrifice. If you're a fan of the movie, the book won't disappoint. At least it didn't me.


Blessings,

Eileen

A Smooth, Enjoyable Read

Back Cover Blurb:

FALLING IN LOVE WITH A CLIENT COULD COST THIS WEDDING PLANNER HER BUSINESS; LEARNING THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE GROOM COLD COST HER HEART.

When professional wedding planner Anne Hawthorne first meets the handsome Englishman George Laurence, she wonders if God has finally answered her prayers for a husband. But when the "best man" for her turns out to be a client--and someone else's to-have-and-to-hold--Anne quickly realizes that planning his wedding will be no honeymoon. Can she remain professional while falling for the groom?

A personal assistant fr a wealthy man who wishes to keep his identity--and his engagement--a secret, George Laurence has come to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. Not only is this a challenge to the tenets of his Christian faith, but he can't stand the fact that he's deceiving Anne, the first woman who ever made his heart really sing. Will George ultimately risk his career to keep the woman he loves?

And what will happen when Anne finds out the groom's true identity? Can Anne and George find a way to a happy ending, or will this "I do" ruse destroy their chance at love?

Review: Stand-In Groom proved to be an interesting read that I couldn't put down. I loved the Hollywood aspects, as they weren't overdone at all, but certainly added a flair to the overall story. Anne's and George's unique careers (wedding planner, personal assistant) impressed me, and drove the story forward, along with their believable ideals and struggles. I found it totally refreshing to discover that the deception plot line took a wonderful twist mid way through this novel, giving plenty of time for a realistic resolve; but have no fear, there is plenty of further conflict to keep you turning the pages.

Kaye Dacus has written Stand-In Groom, a story about trust and forgiveness, in an entertaining, no flowery-prose way that I thoroughly enjoyed and was sad to see finish. I look forward to Kaye Dacus's future releases with anticipation of more great reads. One wonderful romance, indeed!

Purchasing Quick Links: Amazon.com , Amazon.ca

Reading A Family for Luke

I picked up the latest Love Inspired novels on the weekend. One of my favourite authors, who also happens to be Canadian, has a new one out this month. I love reading Carolyne Aarsen's stories. Not just because they are often set in familiar land, but because Carolyne's writing doesn't jump from one head to another like I've been having to deal with a lot lately in the LI's I've picked up. Seems to be a new trend in their line. One that's taking some getting used to--reluctantly.

Anyway, A Family for Luke by Carolyne Aarsen is about:

"Wanted: Family (Must Love Dogs)

Luke Harris grew up without family. Now, it's all he wants. More so when he and his friendly dog move next door to widowed mom Janie Corbett and her three kids. For the first time, he can imagine hearing the pitter-patter of little feet in his own home. Listening to their bedtime prayers. Having a wife and children to call his own. But once-burned/twice-shy Janie won't say yes--unless Luke acknowledges his troubled past. With the help of one stubborn woman, three smart kids and a cherished Labrador retriever, there might be a family for Luke, after all."

I'm enjoying this story, hope you'll pick up a copy and try it out, too.


Blessings,

Eileen

A Season of Frustration

That's what I've been in ever since trying to resume a writing schedule in this new year. It dawned on my today why I keep banging my head against the wall with words that won't flow, and a plot that won't move.

Doubt.

That's it. I keep doubting myself. But why?

Why should I doubt my writing abilities when this is my time to learn, learn, learn? I'm working through a writing book called Don't Sabotage Your Submission by Chris Roerden and with every chapter I read I find myself wallowing in self-pity. I'm letting my come-to-light inadequacies drown my writing muse--a very slow, frustrating, and painful torture it is for me. I'm pretty sure this isn't what the author had in mind when creating this book to help writers succeed. But it's sure giving me a reality check on how high I still have to climb.

I still have much to master. And I need to stop grieving over this fact, and start working on applying this newfound knowledge.



So, if you're looking for a book that pushes you to recognize your less-than-stellar story-telling abilities, and offers sound direction, then I recommend Don't Sabotage Your Submission by Chris Roerden. A word of warning, though, take those rosy-coloured glasses off before you get a third of the way through. There are nuggets, or rather clues, in this book that may just steer you in the same unwanted direction I find myself in. Performing the enormous tasks of REWRITING, REWRITING, REWRITING, all over again.

But this is all good. Because this is my time to LEARN AND APPLY!

Blessings,

Eileen

Book Review of A Matter of the Heart by Patricia Davids

A Matter of the Heart,
Love Inspired Oct 08
By Patricia Davids
ISBN-13: 978-0-373-87500-9


Back Cover Blurb: A Child's Life Is in Her Hands

Operating on a sick little boy is Dr. Nora Blake's responsibility. Answering a determined reporter's questions about the surgery is not. Especially because Robert Dale is delving into her life, too. Nora has her share of secrets. She won't allow a newspaper to profit from the child's story--or her own. Granted, the handsome reporter truly seems to care. About young, orphaned Ali. About her. And thanks to Rob's skills at digging deep, there is one question she just might answer with a joyful yes...

Patricia Davids stories have always presented good reads for me. As a fairly new author (A Matter of the Heart is Davids sixth published Love Inspired novel) I appreciate her attention to detail and steady writing style. She always presents three-dimensional characters and her stories move.

Dr. Nora Blake comes across as a very real physician, struggles and all, in A Matter of the Heart. And although I found some of reporter Robert Dale's early dialogue bordering on backstory dump, I can't fault Davids for doing so, as it offers authenticity to the hero's vocation. The underlying mystery in the plot adds intrigue to the story, and also livens the pace.

All round good read with a message of hope and understanding. Praise to Patricia Davids for another wonderful novel!

70 days to reflect and celebrate our Saviour's birth.

At His Command by Brenda Coulter

At His Command by Brenda Coulter

Love Inspired, Sep 08
ISBN: 978-0-373-87496-5
Purchasing link for Amazon.com

Back Cover Blurb: A Smile As Big As Texas
In one short month, cheerful army nurse Madeline Bright has become the darling of Prairie Springs, Texas. And if ex-pilot Jake Hopkins isn’t careful, she might just conquer his heart. She’s young, pretty and blithe-spirited…he’s older and jaded. But being around Maddie brings back too many painful memories. Jake still feels guilty about failing to save Maddie’s brother in an army helicopter crash years ago. So no matter how much Maddie wants to be in his life, for her own good, Jake can’t allow that. He’ll never have a normal, stable life. And sweet Madeline deserves nothing less.

Review: Forgiving yourself is one of life's greatest challenges. Brenda Coulter reveals this through her story, At His Command. Living with regret can criple your future. As it did with Jake Hopkins. It took the forgiveness and love of another, Madeline Bright, to bring Jake out of his past, ready to embrace the future. At His Command is a touching story with a sprinkling of humor, and a great lesson in forgiveness for us all.

Available now at Wal-Mart, and stores selling Steeple Hill's Love Inspired line, as well as on-line.

Book Review of Cyndy Salzmann's Crime & Clutter

Crime & Clutter by Cyndy Salzmann
Genre: Woman’s Lit.
Published by Howard Books (2007)
ISBN: 1582296448
Amazon.com Easy Link to Purchase

Crime & Clutter is Cyndy Salzmann’s second installment in her Friday Afternoon Club Mystery series. A fun, appetizing, down-to-earth read that makes you feel as though you’re a part of the club—-learning and growing with the sometimes overwhelmed, but always well-meaning ladies of the FAC.

When Mary Alice’s long-held secret is discovered by a fellow member, it becomes the FAC’s mission to help her sort through the contents of her late father’s possessions, and discover why he abandoned his wife and infant daughter decades earlier. As the door to the storage unit is lifted, what awaits them is far from expected.

In Crime & Clutter, Salzmann humorously depicts current-day, mundane and surprising situations while taking the reader for an emotional ride back through the days of The Revolution. Like a good friend, Salzmann shares unique and tantalizing recipes to experiment with, too. You’ll find yourself gravitating to your kitchen and wanting to share both the recipes and the mystery packaged in Crime & Clutter with all your friends.

Cyndy Salzmann’s mastery of withholding information facilitates an inviting and entertaining read. She strategically discloses bits of information throughout the story, keeping the reader foraging ahead to piece it all together. Written in both first-person, present-tense and third-person past-tense, Crime & Clutter is a diversified read, rich in character, and depicts a delightfully realistic take on the process of forgiveness. I highly recommend this unique read for all women who seek a healthy dose of “girl time”, and be forewarned, there are some especially nice surprises along the way.

A Book Review of Brandilyn Collins Crimson Eve

Crimson Eve (Kanner Lake Series #3)
by Brandilyn Collins
Suspense
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Reviewed by my wonderful hubby, Phil.

Real Estate Agent, Carla Radling is showing a hard-to-sell house to what looks to be a promising client. Little does Carla know that the client is actually a hit man sent to kill her. Elsewhere, Tanya Evans is confronted in her home by an intruder who has a dire warning to deliver. Both story lines grip the reader, and give the book a jump start.

The book starts off fast and continues at a good pace. It alternates well between two initial story lines and gradually brings in flashbacks to the past to provide more depth to the story. I liked the fact that the chapters were relatively short, so one could easily follow the story line and did not have to read large amounts to find out what happens next. Crimson Eve's short crisp chapters and well-defined characters ensure that the plot keeps moving.

I am a big fan of series which have recurring characters in them, especially if the author stays true to the character and does not start making them larger than life. As a result , I really liked the 3rd book of Brandilyn Collins Kanner Lake Series. (We don’t have the first two...yet.) The series’ ensemble cast is introduced throughout the story and the characters are well described throughout, which allows the story to flow well and avoids the complications associated with having many characters in a book. I had no problem following this story without having read the initial two in the series. The characters’ personalities remain true throughout the book, and gives the sense of family that some small communities represent.

After reading Brandilyn Collin's Crimson Eve, I have purchased book #4 in the series called Amber Morn. I am looking forward to getting to know some of the characters better, and see if this next book in the series is as good as the third.

Overall a very good read for those who like fast moving thrillers with lots of action and intrigue.

Review of Colleen Coble's Abomination

Abomination by Colleen Coble
Published by Thomas Nelson, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-59554-141-3
Genre: Romantic Suspense
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Abomination by Colleen Coble is a chilling story that stirs your senses and makes you realize how important forgiveness is. When a killer, Gideon, turns the sport of geocaching into a hunt for faceless and dismembered bodies, Captain Nikos Andreakos of the Michigan State Police is more than haunted by the case. Through the use of multiple points of view the reader is transferred from one gripping plot line to another, left wondering how the group of characters and their dilemmas all fit together.

Colleen Coble writes with such detail in all the right places that even non-graphic readers will thoroughly enjoy this heart-pounding, suspenseful read. It’s a romantic suspense with an emphasis on suspense that will have you whizzing through it in no time, but not without touching your soul.

Abomination is Coble’s first hardcover and well worth the honor. You can now find it in soft cover, though, making it even more affordable. Her ability to discern where detail is needed and where discreetness was best adhered to kept me turning the pages of this rather darker topic with anticipation. The varying characters came to life and made me both sympathize and root for their survival…or death, as the case may be. It’s a book worth reading as much for craft as for pleasure and I highly recommend you pick up your copy today and begin the unforgettable journey with Gideon, Nick and Elena in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You won’t be disappointed.

Review of Megan DiMaria's Searching for Spice

Searching for Spice by Megan DiMaria
Published by Tyndale, 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1-4143-1887-5
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
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If you are in want of a love affair with your long-time spouse, Megan DiMaria’s debut novel, Searching for Spice, is the book for you.

With a hint of chick lit flair, Megan DiMaria delivers an entertaining, yet realistic depiction of the challenges of a seasoned marriage. The spunky heroine in Searching for Spice, Linda Revere, attempts to rejuvenate romance in her twenty-four year old marriage, only to discover interruptions and setbacks abounding not only from the world around her but from within, as well. As the story progresses, friends, family and work conflicts compound one another in Searching for Spice, all advancing the plot and the pace while making this novel one enlightening fast read.

I closed this book with far greater respect and admiration for my own husband. Through Linda and Jerry Revere’s story, Megan DiMaria subtly reveals the makings of a healthy marriage and shows that flirting isn’t only for the courtship years. And men, though the cover is predominantly pink and this story is written in first person from the heroine’s perspective, don’t let that deter you from reading this title. It gives great insight as to the inner workings of the female mind and shares a few of our secrets, too.

For more information about Megan DiMaria and Searching for Spice, please visit my author interview featuring Megan. Megan has created an entertaining and yet meaningful story that is well worth the read in Searching for Spice, in my humble opinion. Searching for Spice is available on Amazon. Click here for purchasing information.