Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stuck in the Middle
(Revell - February 1, 2008)
by
Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker with the release of her first novel Just As I Am.

Since then she has contracted eight novels and published numerous articles and short stories. She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including Murder by Mushroom (Steeple Hill, August 2007) and her newest release, Stuck in the Middle(Revell, February 2008), book 1 in the Sister-to-Sister Series.

Her short fiction has been anthologized, and her articles have been published in a variety of Christian magazines. An energetic speaker, she loves to exemplify God’s truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truths in Star Trek.”

Virginia is a speaker, and an avid Scuba diver. She and her husband Ted, divide their times between Kentucky and Utah, and escape as often as they can for diving trips to the Caribbean!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Joan Sanderson's life is stuck. Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is living at home with Mom and looking after her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement-or romance.

That is, until a hunky young doctor moves in next door. Suddenly Joan has a goal--to catch his eye and get a date. But it won't be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly with him and Joan is sure that she can't compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, maybe Joan can find her way out of this rut and into the life she's been hiding from.

Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, spiritual searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry that is sure to make you smile.

"A gentle story of one young woman's season of growth, deftly blending the tangle of family relationships with gifts of whimsy and revelation. A joy to read."
~SHARON HINCK, author of Renovating Becky Miller and Symphony of Secrets~

"Virginia Smith has created a charming and humorous novel that celebrates small-town life, generations of women caring for each other, and the value of finding a deeper, more active faith."
~SHARON DUNN, author of the Bargain Hunters mysteries~

Congrats to...

Karin, who won the copy of Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear. I'll be in touch with you via email, Karin. And thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented.

Have a great week, everyone!

Blog Tour: Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren

If you enjoyed Susan May Warren's first Noble Legacy book Reclaiming Nick, then you won't want to miss Taming Rafe. It really held my attention, and the "story within the story" is a definite plus!

Meet Nick's younger brother--Rafe!

In less than eight seconds, two-time world champion bull rider Rafe Noble lost his title, his career, his best friend-all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena. Now he has no choice but to head back to the Silver Buckle, but not before he accidentally destroys philanthropist Katherine Breckenridge's NY Charity event. Now she's in town, wanting his money - or his help. And the last thing this broken bull rider is going to do is give her his heart. But Nick's little brother is going to learn just was it takes to tame the heart of a rebel!

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He's a Cowboy in Trouble...

Prologue

Rafe Noble, two-time world champion bull rider and current king of the gold buckle, had never met a bull that he feared. Oh, sure, he knew well the tension before a ride that buzzed his nerves and slicked his hand inside his taped-tight leather glove. But normally he shook it off the second he wound the bull rope, sticky with rosin, around the animal’s chest and wedged it into his grip. Then the adrenaline, the heat, took over.

And for eight long, harrowing seconds, it was just man against beast.

In Rafe’s world, man usually won.

However, as Rafe straddled the champion bull known as PeeWee, which had to be some sort of joke because the bull was the biggest, orneriest creature Rafe had ever ridden, coldness rushed through him. Something foreign and overwhelming ignited a tremble from deep within his bones.

For the first time since he was thirteen he felt . . . terror.

Maybe it was just the residual agony of watching one of his fellow bull riders being carried out on a stretcher only minutes earlier. Maybe it was the roar of the crowd hammering at the raging headache he’d nursed most of the day. It could be the fact he rode in pain, that he’d had to tape his hand, wear his knee brace, and the sports medicine doctor had reminded him that one more fracture to his neck would land him in a wheelchair permanently.

Or perhaps it was just the eerie feeling that hung in the air, along with the smells of animal sweat and popcorn and leather and dirt, a surreal sense that tragedy lurked right outside the arena of spectators.

Finish reading this excerpt here.

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How would you like to win a steak dinner (an Omaha Steak gift certificate) with Rafe (a copy of Taming Rafe)? Be sure to check out the "meaty" contest Susan is sponsoring for the tour! Yum...red meat!

Be sure to also check out Rafe's blog, as it includes all the stops on the "Taming a Rebel's Heart" blog tour.

Keep a lookout for Noble Legacy Book 3 - Finding Stefanie, which is due out around July 1st.

ADAM by Ted Dekker

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
ADAM

(Thomas Nelson - April 1, 2008)

by

Ted Dekker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), and Obsessed, with two more...Renegade, and Chaos to be released later this year.



ABOUT THE BOOK

He died once to stop the killer...now he's dying again to save his wife.

FBI behavioral psychologist Daniel Clark has become famous for his well-articulated arguments that religion is one of society’s greatest antagonists. What Daniel doesn’t know is that his obsessive pursuit of a serial killer known only as “Eve” is about to end abruptly with an unexpected death-his own.

Twenty minutes later Daniel is resuscitated, only to be haunted by the loss of memory of the events immediately preceding his death.

Daniel becomes convinced that the only way to stop Eve is to recover those missing minutes during which he alone saw the killer’s face. And the only way to access them is to trigger his brain’s memory dump that occurs at the time of death by simulating his death again…and again. So begins a carefully researched psychological thriller which delves deep into the haunting realities of near-death experiences, demon possession, and the human psyche.

As always with a Ted Dekker thriller, the details of ADAM are stunning, pointing to meticulous research in a raft of areas: police and FBI methods, forensic medicine, psychological profiling-in short, all that accompanies a Federal hunt for a serial killer. But Dekker fully reveals his magic in the latter part of the book, when he subtly introduces his darker and more frightening theme. It's all too creepily convincing. We have to keep telling ourselves that this is fiction. At the same time, we can't help thinking that not only could it happen, but that it will happen if we're not careful.

New York Times best-selling author Ted Dekker unleashes his most riveting novel yet...an elusive serial killer whose victims die of unknown causes and the psychologist obsessed with catching him.

Blog Tour: Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn

About Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear:

Another murder mystery for the Bargain Hunters Network–only this time, one of them is a suspect!

Ginger and her husband, Earl, are in for a wild ride in Calamity, Nevada, along with the other BHN ladies–college student Kindra, mother-of-four Suzanne, and sassy senior Arleta. They came to town for the Invention Expo and some outlet shopping, but instead they endure lost luggage, broken air conditioning, and a long line of people angry at hotel owner Dustin Clydell. With the Invention Expo and the Squirrel Lovers’ convention both in town, the Wind-Up Hotel has somehow overbooked.

Before the night is over, a man has been found dead in a teddy bear costume, the Invention Expo has been canceled, Binky the water-skiing squirrel has gone missing…and the authorities want to talk to one of the BHN ladies! What else could possibly go wrong?

Once again, the Bargain Hunters Network swings into sleuth mode to solve the murder–and this time, clear one of their own. Along the way, Ginger discovers something even better than a bargain.

$$$$$$$$$$$

About Sharon Dunn:

She is the author of Death of a Garage Sale Newbie, book one in the Bargain Hunters Mysteries, and the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history. Sharon lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband of twenty years, three children, two cats, and lots of dust bunnies.

$$$$$$$$$$$
I really enjoyed this book - it was quirky and fun, full of mystery and was hard to put down. I give it an A+ in the 'whodunit' department - you'll never guess, I sure didn't!

Now for two exciting tidbits of info:

1. The publisher has given me a copy of this great book to give away! So if you'd like to be included in the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment with your contact info (you at yoohoo dot com) before midnight Saturday, February 23rd. Winner will be announced and contacted sometime Sunday or Monday.

2. I was just over at amazon.com and saw a listing for the next book in the series. Death at a Discount shows a January 2009 release date.

My Name is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
My Name is Russell Fink
(Zondervan - March 1, 2008)
by
Michael Snyder


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Snyder has spent the bulk of his professional career in sales, has fallen in love, and continues to struggle with the balance between art and vocation. He's never investigated a murder, much less that of an allegedly clairvoyant dog.






ABOUT THE BOOK:

Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents' house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.

Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.

The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once-the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.

At its heart, My Name is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes.

Healing Stones by Stephen Arterburn and Nancy Rue

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Healing Stones
(Thomas Nelson - January 1, 2008)
by
Stephen Arterburn & Nancy Rue


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:



Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries—the nation’s largest faith-based broadcast, counseling and treatment ministry—and is the host of the nationally syndicated “New Life Live!” daily radio program.






By 1996 Nancy was a full-time writer. The Christian Heritage Series made that possible. She was writing those books from the early 1990's until 2000.

And then a new opportunity came along--the Lily series. If she ever doubted that she was going to make it as a writer, man, that little red-head put those fears to rest! And, of course, Sophie followed Lily, with some teen and grown-up books in between -- plus the non-fiction books designed just for you.

Nancy and her husband live in Tennessee now, overlooking a beautiful lake, lots of sycamore trees, and the rocky Tennessee hills. They have a bright yellow power boat named BANANA SPLIT which you can find them on no matter what the weather. Her married daughter, Marijean, lives nearby along with three "grand-dogs", three "grand-cats", (and two "grand-snakes" . . .)



ABOUT THE BOOK

With one flash of a camera, Demi's private life becomes public news. She doesn't know it yet, but her healing has just begun.

Christian college professor Demitria Costanas had vowed to end her affair with a colleague. But she gives into temptation one last time...and a lurking photographer captures her weakness for all to see. Quite literally, she's the woman caught in adultery. And almost everyone--herself included--has a stone to throw.

Enter Sullivan Crisp, a decidedly unorthodox psychologist with his own baggage. He's well-known for his quirky sense of humor and incorporation of "game show" theology into his counseling sessions. And yet there's something more he offers...hope for a fresh start.

Reluctantly the two of them begin an uplifting, uneven journey filled with healing and grace. By turns funny and touching, this story explores the ways humans hurt each other and deceive themselves. And it shows the endlessly creative means God uses to turn stones of accusation and shame into works of beauty that lead us onto the path of healing.

An auspicious debut for a candid yet tender series about pain, healing, and God's invitation for second chances.

Winter Haven by Athol Dickson

If you've ever read an Athol Dickson novel, you'll know that his stories are intense and intriguing. I was privileged to read an advance copy of Winter Haven, and it's no exception.


About Winter Haven:

Thirteen years ago, Vera Gamble's brother, Siggy, left their home never to be seen again - until his body washes ashore on the tiny island town of Winter Haven, Maine. As his only surviving kin, Vera travels north to claim the body - and finds herself tangled in the impossible: Her brother has not aged a day since last she saw him.

Determined to uncover what happened in those lost years, Vera soon discovers there are other secrets haunting the island: tales of lost colonies, a witch bent on vengeance, and a forest where no creature dares to live. Hemmed in by unearthly fog and distrusted by the locals, Vera's only ally is the owner of a grand but dilapidated mansion poised on a rocky cliff. Will her desperate questions find answers, or will Winter Haven claim yet one more dark legend?


An unusual premise, dramatic plot twists, compelling characters, and a climax that leaves you wondering how you didn't see it coming - like puzzle pieces deftly scattered each plays a part in making Winter Haven into a masterpiece. This is probably the first suspense novel I've read in a long time that actually gripped me to the point that I found myself holding my breath. If you love a good suspense novel, you will definitely want to check it out.

Winter Haven is published by Bethany House Publishers and releases in April.

The Debutantes Series by Debra White Smith

I've always been a big fan of Debra White Smith's books, so when I heard a few months back that she was starting a new series I knew the books would be among my "must-reads." I have already read the first book (excellent) and am looking forward to the two others in the series.

So who are the Debutantes...?


Heather

She's a winsome blonde whose looks belie her black belt in karate. When Heather meets Tyler, the society page editor, they are immediately attracted to each other despite her parents objections.

When Houston's mayor is shot, the Debutantes solve the case. To remain anonymous, they leave the perfume laden evidence at the newspaper...along with a longstemmed rose. Obsessed with the mysterious woman now known as The Rose, Tyler breaks up with Heather. As she and her friends work on solving yet another crime, Heather is determined to win Tylers heart. Will she overcome his mysterywoman fascination? Can the Debutantes keep their identities hidden?


Lorna (releases in March)

Attending a welcome-the-new-mayor party, Lorna Leigh counters boredom by escaping to the garden...only to realize she's not alone. The dashing 30-something mayor is getting fresh air too. Sparks fly when she realizes Michael's idealistic views match hers and he discovers she's a tennis fiend. When a pastor is arrested for pornography, debutantes Lorna, Heather, and Brittan take the case. Convinced the pastor was set up, the gutsy amateur detectives investigate. Lorna's faith falters as clues are uncovered and Michael becomes a primary suspect. Why would God bring him into her life only to reveal his shady past and questionable future? Torn between budding love and justice, Lorna faces her most difficult decision yet.


Brittan (releases in July)

When Brittan Shay meets Jose Herrera, she's found love for the first time. Even when she and her friends, Lorna and Heather, investigate a money laundering scheme and discover Jose's mother might be involved, Brittan's sure her new boyfriend isn't part of the plot. But when Chief Rob Lightly gets involved Brittan hesitates.

As suspicions and accusations fly, who should Brittan believe? And what will the culprit do when awareness of the Debutantes investigation comes to light?

Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sister's Ink
(Broadman & Holman Books - February 1, 2008)
by
Rebeca Seitz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rebeca Seitz is Founder and President of Glass Road Public Relations. An author for several years, PRINTS CHARMING was her first novel.

Rebeca cut her publicity teeth as the first dedicated publicist for the fiction division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. In 2005, Rebeca resigned from WestBow and opened the doors of GRPR, the only publicity firm of its kind in the country dedicated solely to representing novelists writing from a Christian worldview.

Rebeca makes her home in Kentucky with her husband, Charles, and their son, Anderson.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sisters, Ink marks the first in a series of novels written by, for, and about scrapbookers. At the center of the creativity and humor are four unlikely young adult sisters, each separately adopted during early childhood into the loving home of Marilyn and Jack Sinclair.

Ten years after their mother Marilyn has died, the multi-racial Sinclair sisters (Meg, Kendra, Tandy, and Joy) still return to her converted attic scrapping studio in the small town of Stars Hill, Tennessee, to encourage each other through life’s highs and lows.

Book one spotlights headstrong Tandy, a successful yet haunted attorney now living back in Orlando where she spent the first eight years of her life on the streets as a junkie’s kid. When a suddenly enforced leave of absence at work leads her to an extended visit with her sisters in Stars Hill, a business oppor­tunity, rekindled romance, and fresh understanding of God’s will soon follow.


Endorsements:

"What more can any woman want? Sisters, Ink weaves the love of sisters, the fun of scrapbooking, and a romance as sugary and tingling as Sweet Home Alabama. A must read for those who love southern fiction."--DiAnn Mills, author of Leather and Lace and When the Nile Runs Red

"Fun . . . funny . . . fantastic! Rebeca Seitz has brought together scrapbooking and sisterhood in a lively romp, with a love for going home again."--Eva Marie Everson, coauthor of The Potluck Club series.

An Upcoming Legal Thriller by Randy Singer

Randy Singer has another legal thriller headed our way in May. I've read a number of his books and they are definitely worth getting your hands on.




About By Reason of Insanity:

A series of unsolved murders.
A woman who knows too much.
A lawyer in over his head.
Sometimes, insanity is the only way out.

The whole world hates the insanity plea.

Quinn Newberg is a high-priced Las Vegas attorney who specializes in the insanity defense. His latest client is Catherine O'Rourke, a Virginia Beach reporter accused of being the serial killer dubbed the Avenger of Blood.

Catherine maintains her innocence, but even she can't explain the evidence that's mounting against her. Most disturbing are the details of the crimes that Catherine shared with detectives prior to her arrest, details no one but the killer could know. She claims to have witnessed the murders in her dreams and shared them only to aid the investigation.

Quinn believes in justice, Vegas style, a little showmanship goes a long way with juries. He also believes in his client. But he doesn't believe Catherine's dreams are anything other than the result of a fractured personality disorder, triggered by a traumatic event from her past.

Though he knows that insanity cases are unpredictable, nothing has prepared Quinn for this. To win, or even survive, he'll need more than his famed legal maneuvering and biting skepticism.

On this case, he'll need a miracle.

We have a winner...

First of all, my apologies for not posting this over the weekend, due to my hubby and I celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary Saturday. So without further ado, congrats to AMY, the winner of Reluctant Smuggler! I'll be contacting you at the email provided for your snail mail addy. A big thank you to everyone who entered as well.

A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Passion Most Pure
(Revell - January 1, 2008)
by
Julie Lessman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure is her first novel.




ABOUT THE BOOK

She's found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister ...

As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O’Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there’s the small matter that he is secretly courting her younger sister. But when Collin’s affections suddenly shift her way, it threatens to tear Faith's proper Boston family apart.

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. Collin is trying to win her sister Charity's hand, and Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure is Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.

Coming in May...

For fans of Erynn Mangum's Lauren Holbrook series (myself included), the arrival of book 3 in May cannot come soon enough. Whad'ya think of the groovy cover?

About Match Point:

Now that she's successfully matched four couples, Lauren Holbrook is wondering if she'll always be the bridesmaid and never the . . . or will she finally admit that she and Ryan are more than "good friends"? But handsome Keller Stone may try to convince her otherwise. A riotous, romantic conclusion to Mangum's caffeine-laced series!

Blog Tour: Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

All About Reluctant Smuggler:

They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer…but what if you can’t tell the difference?

For security consultant Desiree Jacobs, the assignment was simple: make off with an ancient Mayan artifact and hand it over to the good guys in time to plan her wedding to ultra-fine FBI agent Tony Lucano.

Yet, in a world where no one is as they seem, Desi must decipher who the good guys are–before she ends up in the hands of a ruthless enemy.

Suddenly, artifact recovery turns into archaeological espionage, and the woman who finds all the answers must now ask questions: Who’s looting priceless antiquities underneath the nose of the baffled Mexican government? And what does a violent gang of drug and human traffickers have to do with missing artifacts?

Even with Tony on her side, Desi will need way more than luck to survive against the odds. She’ll need the truth–not just to set her free, but to liberate many innocents caught in the snare of calculating evil.


All About Jill Elizabeth Nelson:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson graduated with a degree in literature and creative writing from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota. She served for three years as the senior inspirational reviewer for Romantic Times BOOKclub magazine and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Group, and Christian Authors Network. In 2004, she served as a Christy Award judge in the romance category. Nelson and her husband have four children and live in Madison, Minnesota.

She takes art seriously – when she’s not having fun with it, that is. The To Catch a Thief series combines her love of the written word with her love of other art forms. She’s thrilled if the adventures that spill from her imagination can raise awareness about art theft–a problem the FBI deems a “looming criminal enterprise.”


My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book! It's heavy on the suspense and light on the romance and I'm sure that this book will be as big a hit with the male demographic as it is with females. Although I haven't read the first two books in the series, I didn't feel lost in the story either. This book is definitely one you'll want to pass along to your suspense loving friends.


Giveaway

Courtesy of the publisher, I have a copy of this book to give away.

To enter, leave me a comment with an email address (Example: you at yoohoo dot com) so that I am able to contact you if you win.

I will draw the winner and announce it here on my blog as well as email the winner.

This contest ends at midnight central time on February 1st.

Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Awaken My Heart
(Avon Inspire - February 5, 2008)
by
DiAnn Mills


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. She is the author of numerous titles including novels, novellas, and a nonfiction. In addition, she's written several short stories, articles, devotions, and has contributed to several nonfiction compilations.

DiAnn believes her readers should "Expect an Adventure." Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Several of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents, and she remains a favorite author by Heartsong Present's readers. Two of her books have won short historical of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers both in 2003 and 2004. She was named Writer of the Year for 2004 at the 35th Annual Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference and is the recipient of Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards for 2005 in the long contemporary and novella categories.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, ChiLibris, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn also belongs to Cy Fair Women's Networking, an exclusive professional women's networking organization.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she'd own one, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

1803, the colony of Texas


Awaken My Heart is set in 19th century Texas and tells the story of 18 year old Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Weston Phillips. Weston is involved in a hostile struggle with Armando Garcia, the infamous rebel leader of the 'mestizos' who claim to own the land that Phillips has settled.

Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agreed with her father's harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhabited the colony of Texas. When rebels kidnap Marianne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estate.

Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they'd be forced from their land, Armando accepts his role, but does not approve of the latest attempt to manipulate their enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from letting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?

Fallen by Matthew Raley

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Fallen
(Kregel Publications - February 29, 2008)
by
Matthew Raley



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matthew Raley is senior pastor of the Orland Evangelical Free Church in northern California, where he lives with his wife and two young children. For fun, he enjoys playing chamber music with friends, giving occasional solo recitals, and playing first violin in the North State Symphony. This is his first book.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Jim was at work when his eyes drifted to the coffee shop visible from his office window. An attractive woman driving a Mercedes pulled up to the curb . . . and Jim’s married pastor emerged from the car. When Jim delves deeper into his pastor’s world, will he be able to handle what he discovers? Is he right to suspect that Dave is having an affair? In the behind-the-scenes church battle that ensues, Jim is torn between duty to his church and a desire to show grace. A ripped-from-the-headlines drama of suspense that keeps you engaged to the last page.

Fallen is the story about Jim’s relationship with Dave—how Jim tries to do the right thing to keep Dave accountable, but finds the situation getting worse and worse. It’s also about Jim’s other relationships. Just as he discovers hypocrisy in Dave, Jim discovers his own sins against his wife and daughter.

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008 by Sally Stewart

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008

(WaterBrook Press - January 15, 2008)
by
Sally Stuart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sally Stuart has been writing for the last 40+ years, and has been putting out the annual "Christian Writers' Market Guide" for the last 23 years. Her other writing includes several Christian education resources books, a children's picture book, a basic writing text, writing resources, and a western novel--plus hundreds of articles and marketing columns. She writes marketing columns for the "Christian Communicator", "Advanced Christian Writer", and the Oregon Christian Writers' Newsletter. She speaks and teaches at Christian Writers' Conferences nationwide. Sally is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time vacationing on the Oregon coast.

Check out her blog!


ABOUT THE BOOK:

The essential reference tool for the Christian writer, Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide is now in its 23rd annual edition!

Check out the section on Blogging on page 69...the CFBA is listed!

Writers’ Conference listings, Book Publishers, Magazine Publishers, and a Bookstore filled with the resources you need to be successful in this business. Get a Book Contract or Manuscript Evaluation, and check out the Writer’s Resource links. This book has all you need to connect to all these valuable helps for the beginning, intermediate, or professional writer.

To keep you up to date with the latest marketing news, visit Sally Stuart’s new marketing blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace, at http://www.stuartmarket.blogspot.com/.

A new, updated version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is available about January 15 each year.

Andi McConnell Book Two - Here Comes the Ride

Just saw this over on TitleTrakk Book News, and had to pass it along...

Here Comes the Ride, book 2 in the Andi McConnell mystery series by Lorena McCourtney, is coming in May. It's publisher is Thomas Nelson.


Summary:

Andi McConnell is thrilled when she is hired as the chauffeur for a high-end wedding. But she's beginning to wonder why she and her limo keep ending up in the middle of a murder!

A wedding malfunction has precipitated into a murder leaving several obvious suspects. The wedding is cancelled, the guests can't leave, and the heir of the estate is a complete surprise. When another murder occurs, all fingers are pointing to the most obvious suspect who had motive, means, and opportunity. But a final clue uncovers something that no one saw coming. Now Andi is kicking her sleuthing skills into high gear to catch the killer!

Chill Out Josey by Susan May Warren

Brrr....nights are cold these days and if you're without someone to cuddle up with, grab a cozy blanket, a steaming cup of your favorite liquid indulgence, and a copy of Susan May Warren's latest release, Chill Out Josey.

All about "Chill Out"...


Russia? Not again.

Josey's finally living the good life - she's got the man, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of her dreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow! Josey knows she has the guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sure she can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his. Josey's set on having the perfect life…even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion. But can she find the courage to tell her man the secret that will change their lives forever?

Check out Chill Out Josey's first chapter.

I really enjoyed Chill Out, Josey - it's full of laughs with all of Josey's wild adventures, as well as some poignant moments when Josey sees past herself and lets God use her to help those around her. It's definitely a book you'll want to pass along to your friends.


All about Susan May Warren...

I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

Be sure to check out Susans blog,

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN , my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

I grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis , and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series. Based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior . I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.

Make sure you check out Susan's blog, Scribbles by Susie May, as well as a list of her current novels and coming releases and works-in-progress.

Do you have the mother of all funny/crazy/embarrassing PREGNANCY STORIES that you'd like to share? If so, then head over to Susan's contest page to submit your story for a chance to win a Super Fabulous, Ultra Deluxe Chill Out Ma Spa Basket! Your entry will also subscribe you to Susan’s private newsletter mailing list. Winners of the contest will be announced in her February newsletter! Have fun!