Hope Tour 2012

Carolina Christian Writers (CCW) is hosting a multi-author book signing in participation of 2012 Magnificent Hope Tour project to benefit Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network (CVAN).

Authors Amy Clipston, Lynette Eason, Jennifer Fromke, Dora Hiers, Myra Johnson, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, and Mary Annslee Urban will have books available for signing.

Saturday, 7/14/2012

1-3 p.m.

KMart, 545 Concord Parkway, Concord, NC

How can you participate? 

Just purchase one or more items from CVAN's wishlist and bring it to the author table before 3 p.m. CCW will deliver your generous donations to CVAN after the event. 

My Review of THE DOCTOR'S DEVOTION by Cheryl Wyatt

The Blurb:
When he fled Eagle Point years ago, former air force trauma surgeon Mitch Wellington left only broken dreams behind. Now he's back with a new dream—opening a trauma center in the rural area and saving lives. He hopes to hire the quick-thinking nurse who impressed him during an emergency. But Lauren Bates lost her faith and doesn't believe she deserves to help anyone. Mitch knows firsthand what loss feels like. And it'll take all his devotion to show Lauren that sometimes the best medicine is a combination of faith, community—and love.

My Review:
A hefty loan for a startup sewing business chains former nurse Lauren Bates to Texas, far from the grandfather who raised her. On a break before her new business officially opens, Lauren visits and finds her grandfather's once undivided attention riveted on someone else. Dr. Mitch Wellington. Her grandfather even calls Mitch "son." With so little time before she must head back to Texas, Lauren doesn't intend to share her grandfather's time or love, if she can help it. But, Mitch loves her grandfather, too, and shows his devotion by tackling a long to-do list and buying groceries. Soon, Lauren longs for faith, and Mitch, to be a permanent part of her life, too.

Jealousy is an ugly emotion, but the author crafts it into a powerful tool of conflict between Lauren and Mitch, taking us on their journey from jealousy to love in believable steps. The beautiful imagery Ms. Wyatt paints makes me long to visit Illinois again with fresh eyes. You'll enjoy so many great aspects in The Doctor's Devotion~from the cover to the plot and the totally sweet ending. Don't miss it!

Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

Meet Cheryl Wyatt~
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned-SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. This award-winning author is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance. Her first two novels received Top Picks from Romantic Times, and her debut novel also received the high honor of being one of Eharlequin's Top-Ten-Most-Blogged-About-Books. Visit her on the Web at www.CherylWyatt.com. Sign up for her newsletter there for news and chances to enter contests with great prizes. Hang with her in the blogoshpere at www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com. You can also find her skittering around Steeple Hill's message boards as "Scrollsquirrel" at www.SteepleHill.com. Cheryl loves to hear from her readers. You may contact her at Cheryl@CherylWyatt.com

Join us at the...

Steele Creek Library 

Saturday, June 23
2-3 p.m.

for an interactive discussion on 

A Glimpse Into Publishing Romance. 

Signed copies of Journey's End & Journey's Edge will be available.

Steele Creek Library
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 

13620 Steele Creek Rd

Charlotte, NC

SMALL TOWN TREASURE releases today!

Small Town Treasure

by Dora Hiers

Five years ago, Emily Mannerson escaped small town living and moved to the big city where nobody knew "poor little Emily" and her miserable background. Now an attorney, Emily longs for what she left behind…her adopted mother and high-school sweetheart. 

Fire captain Matthew Westerly treasures his small town of Journey Creek and values faith, family, and friendships. When he rescues Emily from a horrific car accident, he's determined to win her back and make up for the lost years. 

Can a big city girl and a small town boy discover their true treasure? Will they trust God to work a miracle?

41 pages of sweet romance. And it's only $1.

Buy here

Featuring A CASE OF FATAL ATTRACTION by K. Dawn Byrd

Zoe is thrilled when she lands her first paying case until she learns she'll be going undercover at a local blood bank. The fact that she faints at the sight of blood makes working there more than difficult. Who would steal blood and what would they do with it? Is her creepy vampire-like coworker using it in a cult ritual?

When Zoe learns that Nate will be working undercover with her, she's overjoyed. She soon finds that the gorgeous Rikki's attraction to Nate is too distracting and considers throwing him off the case. Zoe questions his loyalty even as Nate proclaims that she's the only girl for him.

Nothing is as it seems and Zoe has no clue who can be trusted. Who's stealing the blood? Is it the director? The vampire-like guy with the fangs who wears all black? Or, her gorgeous co-worker who has a thing for Nate?

Tell us about your latest mystery, Zoe.
My grandfather owns a detective agency and needed my help, but he was afraid to give me this case. It involved going undercover in a blood bank and finding out why blood is disappearing. My grandfather knows that I faint at the sight of blood. It wasn't easy and I had my moments when I became really sick, but I'm no quitter.

What was the greatest obstacle to solving this case?
My boyfriend, Nate, went undercover at the blood bank too. He worked as a janitor and once, when I puked after an accident with the blood, he got to clean it up. I thought I'd die of embarrassment. Back to your question, the greatest obstacle in some ways was just having Nate hanging around. You see, I had this gorgeous coworker named Rikki and she had a crush on Nate. We couldn’t tell her that we knew each other because that would blow our cover. Do you know how hard it is watching another girl go after your boyfriend, especially a gorgeous girl?

What did you learn from working on this case?
I learned that I can do things I never thought possible. I never overcame becoming queasy at the sight of blood, but I did learn to live with it. I also learned that I hate snakes and that sometimes creepy vampire-looking guys who wear black aren't all bad. I also learned to trust my instincts even when Nate says I'm wrong.

So, how is your relationship with Nate after solving two mysteries together?
We had some rocky times, mainly because of Rikki, but I've learned that sometimes, things aren't as they seem and you have to learn to trust people. Nate is a great guy and I love him more than ever. I've learned to accept the fact that my mother will never be crazy about him, but that's another story.

Will there be another case any time soon?
College is getting ready to start up and I’m taking a little time off to concentrate on school. Of course, if Gramps needs me, I'm always up for a good mystery!


Purchase Link

K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense with seven books published so far. Recently, she tried her hand at young adult fiction and found that she really enjoyed writing it, which led to a contract for four young adult books for 2012.

K. Dawn Byrd is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com, most of which are signed by the authors. She's also the moderator of the popular facebook Christian Fiction Gathering group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444.

When not reading or writing, K. Dawn Byrd enjoys spending time with her husband of 16 years while walking their dogs beside a gorgeous lake near her home and plotting the next story waiting to be told.

Links:
Blog: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com
Twitter: kdawnbyrd
Book trailer on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1epz5ezneY

A Normal Day??

What's that?

I can tell you that, by default, "normal" means something different for everyone. And sometimes normal isn't, well, normal. Depends on who you're asking. 

Some people prefer chaos. Thrive on it actually.

Me? I prefer normal. Routine. Predictable. Typical. 

Days where I have a set schedule: 

mornings = writing

lunch = hubby

afternoons = catching up on household chores or marketing.

Lately, life is anything but normal. 

But that's OK. Because...

God orchestrates circumstances and events to order my day. 

If I had gone to Target instead of agreeing to keep a sick grandchild, would I have been involved in the auto accident that occurred about the same time I would have been there? Hmmm...

Have you considered how He might cause your day to go off track ~off your track, not His~ so you could have a normal day? 

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

Thank You, God, for overriding my plans. Help me not to be irritated at the change in my day, but, rather, to welcome and to praise You for it.

Has God orchestrated circumstances or events in your life so you could experience a normal day?

Happy Father's Day!

Dad

My sweet hubby 

Our son, John. (on the left)

You set an awesome example of what fatherhood is all about. You inspire those around you. You are legacy makers.

You...

~drop everything when a family member needs you

~work together on do-it-yourself projects

~conspire ways to spend time together, like NASCAR trips and vacations

~talk often, even when miles separate

~give advice only when asked. Hmmm, it counts if only one of these dads does that, right? :-)

~teach and inspire your children to be their best

~love your wife and your family

These men bless my life in so many ways. I'm thankful to walk this journey with them.

Children's children are a crown to the aged, 
and parents are the pride of their children. (Prov 17:6 NIV)
Did you catch that?
"Parents are the pride of their children." 
Not children are the pride of their parents. 
I'm extremely proud of my parents. For their accomplishments, and for what they instilled in my life, the values they taught me.


We pass through different stages in our lives regarding our parents. 
As youngsters, we listen to them and obey. 
As teens, even as young adults, we roll our eyes and do our own thing, maybe even rebel.
But as we mature into adulthood, we look to them for advice and listen to their wisdom. 
It's that life cycle, don't you think?


What about you? Which stage are you at in life?

Happy Father's Day 

to all dads and to all those who fill the role of father. 

May your special day be filled with love and laughter.

SMALL TOWN TREASURE releases in 1 week!

Five years ago, Emily Mannerson escaped small town living and moved to the big city where nobody knew "poor little Emily" and her miserable background. Now an attorney, Emily longs for what she left behind…her adopted mother and high-school sweetheart. 


Fire captain Matthew Westerly treasures his small town of Journey Creek and values faith, family, and friendships. When he rescues Emily from a horrific car accident, he's determined to win her back and make up for the lost years. 


Can a big city girl and a small town boy discover their true treasure? Will they trust God to work a miracle?

Join us at the...

York County Public Library 

7-8 p.m.

Thursday, June 14

for A Glimpse Into Publishing. 

Signed copies of Journey's End & Journey's Edge will be available.

York County Library

Tabb Branch

100 Long Green Blvd

Yorktown, VA

Overwhelmed by tough times?

Can't see a way out? 

Don't believe Satan's lie. That's not the case. Ever.

Tough times are part of the journey. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Tough times help us grow. 

"There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine..." (I Peter 1:6-7 NLT)

What can you do to break the bondage?

Pray. 

Focus on God first, and then others. 

Take a step forward. 

Know God's heart for you, and trust the road He has you on, 

even when you can't see where it leads. 

Are you overwhelmed by tough times today?

My Review of KICKING ETERNITY by Ann Lee Miller

The Blurb:
Stuck in sleepy New Smyrna Beach one last summer, Raine socks away her camp pay checks, worries about her druggy brother, and ignores trouble: Cal Koomer. She’s a plane ticket away from teaching orphans in Africa, and not even Cal’s surfer six-pack and the chinks she spies in his rebel armor will derail her.

The artist in Cal begs to paint Raine’s ivory skin, high cheek bones, and internal sparklers behind her eyes, but falling for her would caterwaul him into his parents’ live. No thanks. The girl was self-righteous waiting to happen. Mom served sanctimony like vegetables, three servings a day, and he had a gut full.

Rec Director Drew taunts her with “Rainey” and calls her an enabler. He is so infernally there like a horsefly—till he buzzes back to his ex.

Raine’s brother tweaks. Her dream of Africa dies small deaths. Will she figure out what to fight for and what to free before it’s too late?

My Review:
I confess that Kicking Eternity started a little slow for me, but as I got to know each of the four main characters, I found myself warming to them, wanting to read on. 


One of Ms. Miller's strong points was her sprinkling of sensory details. Details so vivid, you could practically feel the Florida beach sand sliding through your toes and the storm kicking up the waves. Kicking Eternity features relevant issues and great conflict: staunch Christian girl battles attraction to rebellious, non-conforming guy. A couple extra characters thrown in to muddy the mix is sure to be the start of a successful series for this author. Young adult readers on up will enjoy Ms. Miller's unique and fresh writing style in Kicking Eternity. 

Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

Amazon buy link

About Ann: 

Ann Lee Miller earned a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University and writes full-time in Phoenix, but left her heart in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she grew up. She loves speaking to young adults and guest lectures on writing at several Arizona colleges. When she isn’t writing or muddling through some crisis—real or imagined—you’ll find her hiking in the Superstition Mountains with her husband or meddling in her kids’ lives. 

ACFW June 2012 New Releases

Lily (Song of the River) by Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver — Desperate for financial independence, Lily Anderson has embarked upon a riverboat venture. Will she learn to trust God’s leading or head into disaster? Lily’s partner, Blake Matthews, is initially stymied, then smitten by the Mississippi miss. Can he anchor her heart, or will Lily fall for another man’s wiles? (Historical from Barbour).

A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman — Miriam King loves the children of Pebble Creek and is content teaching in the one room schoolhouse, then Gabe Miller steps into her life and everything changes. (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House).

Sophie’s Daughters Trilogy by Mary Connealy — The little girls from Petticoat Ranch are all grown up with love stories of their own…you didn’t think Sophie’s Daughters would grow up to be quiet little things, did you? (Historical Romance from Barbour).

Love in Disguise by Carol Cox — When Ellie Moore wins a job as an undercover Pinkerton operative, she finds that playing a part in real life is far different than acting out a role onstage. Will the man who captures her heart still care for her when he learns the woman he’s fallen in love with doesn’t exist? (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

A Dream of His Own by Gail Gaymer Martin — Quinn O’Neill feels to blame for his family’s death and longs to release the guilt he feels, and when he meets Ava Darnell life takes a positive turn as he helps Ava earn his trust…but suspicion nearly undermines their relationship while he perseveres to encourage Ava to have faith that dreams of healing and family just might become reality. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

End of the Trail by Vickie McDonough — Brooks Morgan won Raven Creek Ranch in a poker game, but when he goes to claim what’s his, he finds a woman with a shotgun living in his house-and she claims she isn’t leaving. (Historical Romance from River North (Moody Publishers).

Proof by Jordyn Redwood — What does a victim do when DNA testing sets a guilty criminal free? (Medical Suspense from Kregel).

Walks Alone by Sandi G. Rog — A Cheyenne warrior bent on vengeance. A pioneer woman bent on fulfilling a dream. Until their paths collide. (Romance from White-Fire Publishing).

The Hidden Life by Adina Senft — An Amish spinster finds love where she had given up hope in the second book of the Amish Quilt trilogy. (Contemporary from Faith Words (Hachette).

Winning the Widow’s Heart by Sherri Shackelford — When Texas Ranger Jack Elder stormed the isolated Kansas homestead, he expected to find a band of outlaws. Instead, the only occupant is a heavily pregnant woman-and she’s just gone into labor. A loner uneasy with emotion, Jack helps deliver widow Elizabeth Cole’s baby girl and can’t get back on the trail fast enough. The robber and murderer he’s after killed one of Jack’s own, and he vows to catch the man. But when he returns to check on Elizabeth and her little one, he discovers that she may hold the key to his unsettled past-and his hoped-for future. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Double Exposure by Susan Sleeman –When photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film and the cartel tries to kill her, her ex-boyfriend risks everything to expose the truth-about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

The Director’s Cut by Janice Thompson– Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives you an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance. (Contemporary Romance from Revell).

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer — All he ever cared about were his brothers and his land, but when a good deed goes awry, Travis Archer is stuck with a bride who endangers both. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Detailed descriptions of each new release can be found here.

Looks like some great new releases! Any catch your eye?