Monday, January 20, 2014

Interview with Marji Laine and new serial romance A Dozen Apologies, with giveaway links



Welcome Marji! We are so happy to have you here this week, and that you have agreed to share a bit about yourself.

Q: First of all, hot cocoa, warmed mulled cider, or cappuccino?   ;)
Oh that’s easy! Hot chocolate with a little dollop of whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. Mmmm!

Q: What causes are you passionate about, and do they find their way into your writing?
That’s a toughie. It’s not that I don’t have opinions, I do. But I’m a peacemaker. The only thing I’m truly passionate about is sharing the truth and love and grace of the Lord. And, YES, that finds its way into my writing quite a lot!

Q: When did you first know you were a writer?
I’ve dabbled for decades. Started a screenplay when I was 7. Lol! About three years ago, my mom challenged me with the question of what I would do if time and money weren’t an issue. I said, “Write!” without hesitation. I actually surprised myself because I had a strong scrap booking home-business. I didn’t surprise my mom, though. Even my sweet hubby encouraged me to focus my efforts on writing and eliminate as many interruptions as possible. Not an easy thing for a home-schooling mom of 4 to do, but writing became my fulltime career and I haven’t regretted it for a moment.

Q: If you could sit down and interview any person, fictitious or real from any time, who would that be and what is the first question you would ask?
Mara--main character
So many choices! I’d love to sit and chat with Laura Bush, Angela Lansbury, or Cleopatra. But if I have to ask a specific question … I think I’d like to chat with the main character in this collaborative novella with which I’m involved. I can’t imagine what she expected when she set out to apologize to all of the men she humiliated. But it’s easy to see from the picture why the men fell for her like they did.

Q: Who have been your mentors, and how did they help you most?
Lena Nelson Dooley has been so helpful to me. Not only has she helped me wade through the waters of this publishing realm, but she even encouraged me to pitch to my agent. I don’t think I would have been brave enough without her. Another couple of critique partners who have always been spot-on with their suggestions are Lynne Gentry and Kellie Coates Gilbert.

Q:  What do you hope your readers will take away from your books? And can you hint at any works to come?
In my books, I want my readers to find a character who lives out the faith she professes. Mara has an extraordinary experience in the first chapter of A Dozen Apologies that sets up the entire book based on her dedication to follow the Lord’s leading.

Q: Do you have a question you would like our blog readers to answer?
Yes! This story deals with a lady who is willing to take up almost any job she can find. Some of them are quite humorous. What’s the craziest job you ever had or the weirdest thing you ever did on a job?
 
Thank you for being with us this week. I wish you every blessing as you write for His glory!

Thanks so much, Kathleen! I’m really excited about A Dozen Apologies. It is a unique novella in several ways. First, the chapters are being posted, one per weekday, on the Write Integrity Press blog writeintegrity.com. And the postings started TODAY! Second, there are 12 different authors for this one story, but the transitions are seamless. Third, after the first 13 chapters are posted, the readers have to decide the ending of the book. Each chapter has a different hero. The most favorite hero gets the girl.

And finally, once the ending is determined, the last chapter will only be available in the Kindle book itself. BUT, that book will be FREE for Valentine’s Day and the two days following, so everyone can enjoy the whole story.

You can find me at MarjiLaine.com, on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Google+.



Saturday, January 18, 2014

A Book that Read Me! God's Provision in Tough Times by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy--With #Giveaway






This 25 story collection was a gift to me by one if its contributors, Carrie Fancett Pagels. My review in no way reflects any obligation on my part to say something nice, or drum up promotion for it. I read this from cover to cover because it read me--my life situation needed the exact encouragement and faith that this collection of true stories of God's miraculous ways provides.

Being without work now for 10 months, my family has recently even lost our extended unemployment benefits. We've been waiting for over a month to hear back on a second interview, and our emotions have run high as we wait for something to break in our circumstance. We are people of faith, and we believe that God can make a way where there seems to be no way. And that is exactly what each of these stories is about--God opening up His abundant storehouse through unexpected and often miraculous ways. One author tells of unclaimed money they didn't know they were owed. Another tells of a phone number to a job connection that mysteriously appeared where it shouldn't have. Still another received an inheritance that had been tied up for years in court--exactly when they needed it most.

I loved the transparent and humble contribution by Cecil Stokes, the award-winning, uber-successful producer of Christian film and TV including October Baby. His pain, his soul-searching, his utter dependence on God for a few years as he trusted in God's leading, ultimately led to the pinnacle of his career so far. I related to so many of the different stories, sympathized with them all. Carrie Pagels talked about how her physical health led her and her family on a four state move within a year, and how the Lord finally brought them to their personal promised land. Cynthia's ongoing story shared through out the book in chapters was perhaps my favorite, as she challenged me to dare to believe not for just any job, but the right job. And to expect the Lord to meet our needs along the way.

All of these true stories blessed me as I waited on God, and read, and prayed over my own situation. Each of the authors' personal experiences gave me courage to keep believing, to keep trusting in a God that seemed to take away, but who also blesses and gives. For instance, this past week, we had finally run out of all of our money. My husband decided to organize our bills and paperwork and pray over each one. Hidden in the middle of the piles and stacks was a check we had never seen. It gave us enough to get by on, like manna--our daily provision.

Then, my husband received a call out of the blue yesterday to come to a training today--a Saturday. He is there as I type this, potentially starting a new job. He had to give up celebrating our son's birthday party, but we are hopeful, expectant. The faith that was stirred reading these testimonies of God's faithfulness played a role in our own breakthrough. Thank you Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy, and especially to Carrie Pagels, for providing a copy to read, relish and review.

God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask, think or imagine. . . Let this collection build up your expectation for your own miracle.

Carrie Pagels has graciously offered to give away a copy of this book to one commenter. Please leave your email addy below if you wish to be entered. Drawing to be announced Wednesday, Jan 22 at 8 PM Eastern

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Scent of Fear by Susan Reinhardt #bloghop with #giveaway

the scent of fear by susan j. reinhardt
< p dir="ltr">First came The Moses Conspiracy, now comes..... The Scent of Fear.
The Zimmermans enjoy the tenuous peace in the wake of their hair-raising year battling the New Patriots. Unexpected visitors once again throw them into turmoil.
< p dir="ltr">Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the plan to break up a hate group ravaging the Christian community. Now, his enemies are out to eliminate him. Should he make a run for it or stick by his tried-and-true negotiating skills? < p dir="ltr">Monty Addison, a topnotch operative, carried out his assignment in Bird-in-Hand. A plot to destroy his boss sends him on a mission. Without agency sanction, it may cost him everything - his career, his family, and maybe his life. < p dir="ltr">Dr. Abby Weaver strives to save infants and toddlers in Holmes County, Ohio. When she meets two strangers, she can't get the tall, handsome one out of her mind. Will their paths intersect again or will dangerous times keep them apart? < p style="text-align: center;">The Scent of Fear is available at:
~~~Amazon~~~
< p style="text-align: center;">~~~Barnes and Noble~~~ < p style="text-align: left;">The Book Series susan j. reinhardtAbout the Author < p dir="ltr">Susan J. Reinhardt's publishing credits include her debut novel, The Moses Conspiracy, as well as devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. < p dir="ltr">A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops. < p dir="ltr">You can connect with Susan at her Blog, on Twitter, and Facebook. < p dir="ltr">the scent of fear blog button
Blog Tour Schedule
December 16 ~Diane Estrella, www.dianeestrella.com
~Pamela Christian, http://pamelachristianministries.com/pamelas_blog
December 17
~Sandie Czosek, http://chattycrone.blogspot.com/
~Linda O'Connell, http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com/
December 18
~Lynn Mosher, http://lynnmosher.com/
~Jill Ivy, https://lucky4jill.wordpress.com/
December 19
~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com
~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
December 20
~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
~Lee Privette, http://faithfamilyfrugalityandme.blogspot.com/?m=1
December 21
~Patti Smith, http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
~Carene Havel, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440085.Carlene_Havel/blog
December 22
~Darlene Arroyo-Lozada, http://lovebookslozada.blogspot.com/
< div>~Karen Korb, http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com
< /address>
December 23
~Maria I. Morgan, www.mariaimorgan.com
~Beckie Stoneking, www.inaminute-beckie.blogspot.com
December 26
~Leah's Good Reads, http://leahsgoodreads.blogspot.com/
~Marja Verschoor-Meijers, http://sacredsabbath.blogspot.com
December 27
~Jennifer Van Huss, http://oneheartonefamily.com
~Brittany McEuen, www.brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com
December 28
~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com
~Lori Drake, http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com
December 29
~Kim Justice, http://breathoflifebookreviews.blogspot.com/
~K. Dawn Byrd, Www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com
December 30
~Ruth Schiffmann, http://outonalimbshywritergoessocial.blogspot.com/
~Janette Dolores, www.janettedolores.com
December 31
~Cindi Clubbs, http://ccclubbs.com/
~Kathleen Maher, http://kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com/
January 2
~Jen Cudmore, http://www.jencudmore.com/
~Karen Lange, http://karenelange.blogspot.com/
January 7
~Jeanette Levellie, http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 Go to any of these other bloghop sites to enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card!
Happy New Year everybody. Wishing you all peace, health, and joy in 2014.